Fond Memories of The Road

Life Members honoured at fun-packed Gala Luncheon...

The AA said a big thank-you to a host of its Life members at a lavish gathering to celebrate their 30 years with the Association.

The fun-packed AA Life Membership Appreciation luncheon at The Merchant Court Hotel's Grand Ballroom on 29th April 2006 paid tribute to all members who were conferred Life Membership in 2005 - having been members of the AA since 1975.

Offering a wacky afternoon of entertainment was ebullient entertainer, Donna Daniel who teased, joked and sang her way through a host of games and party quizzes. The event also marked the last time that the then AA President, Gerard Ee, toasted to the loyal members. Saab owner, Dr Easaw Thomas, who
has been a member since 1975, said: "When I was young my father told me to join as it would be very useful. I had previously owned an old Beetle for many years as well as quite a few Saabs. I now own a Saab 9-3 and a 9-5." He also owns a Land Rover Defender, which broke down in Malaysia. Thanks to the AA's reciprocal services across the Causeway with AAM, he was in good hands and it was towed to a workshop. Dr Thomas added: "I think this event is very good as an appreciation of all the years we have been around. My wife and son are also members, although she joined a little later than me." Professor Lee Seng Lip, who taught civil engineering but is now retired has been driving for 50 years. He was originally a member of the Automobile Association of America and joined AAS when he returned to Singapore.

Thirty years ago he drove a Volvo; he now has a Mercedes-Benz C200. "I have probably had about half-adozen breakdowns over the years," he said, "and every time the AA has come out very quickly. The AA road service is excellent. I think it is good to bring all these members together. Madam Yam Chor Kheng has been driving for 40 years, also decided to join AA. "The service has been wonderful," she said. "When my car has broken down it has taken the AA about 15 minutes to attend. It is nice that the Association takes good care of its members with these events."

Australian Singapore Permanent Resident, Mr Selwyn McVean, who is now semi retired, joined 30 years ago because of the necessity of travel between Singapore and Malaysia.

"My first car was a Holden and I have owned about 30 since then." He recalled how most of his breakdowns have been simple things, like flat batteries, although once in Malacca, a driver of one of his company vehicles turned a car over and the AA had to be called out to tow it back to Singapore. "The AA is always very prompt. It has definitely been worth joining. You need the back up for travel and engineering advice."