Even though I am in Jersey, I still have very good friends who keep me up-to-date with home news. Last night, I received a phone call from my brother who informed me that one of my hometown's oldest institution The Sarawak Club had burnt down.
The Club's mainhall with all its wooden structure and historical memorabilias, restaurants and watering holes were destroyed. Adrian & I celebrated had our wedding reception at the Hornbill Restaurant a couple of years ago.
These photos - courtesy from friends back home...thanks ladies.
Looking at these pictures, I question the efficiency of Kuching's fire houses and the security guards at the Club. The nearest fire house is just 5 minutes away and considering that the fire allegedly happened early in the morning and there's no heavy traffic at this hour, why weren't they able to quickly arrive at the scene and reduce the losses?
Was it because:
(a) Sarawak Club guards were sleeping on their job;
(b) Firemen were sleeping on their job;
(c) Equipment used (fire trucks) not powerful enough to handle the blaze and/or fire hydrant coughs out water ala spring showers only;
(d) Inexperienced firemen working on scene; or,
(e) All of the above
Some might say that the Club is a snobby institution for the rich and privileged but whether you like it or not, it's still an endearing historical landmark for Kuching City, being 130 years old. Sad to see the old wing and the newly renovated areas destroyed.
3 comments:
Sob! Can't go to the library anymore, or use the pool (not that I use it that often, but still...) or eat their yummylicious buttered prawns..... waaahhhhh!!!!!
just thought you might like an update. Went to the EGM on Saturday and basically the plan is to hurry up and rebuild as soon as the insurance claim comes through. Assuming the fire dept gives their report to the insurance within this month (Aug) and assuming the insurance co is satisfied there was no hanky-panky involved, the insurance should be settled latest by end of Sept.
Estimated rebuilding period is 9-12 months. Meanwhile, the Club has set up a temporary office and gym at the new carpark, and will put up a temporary library there too (apparently the books weren't burnt. Just soggy from the water. Hehe). And hopefully a temporary "Sunset Bar" and restaurant will be sited on the top storey of the multi-level carpark, by end of Aug or sometime in Sept.
Priority is to rebuild everything ASAP or at least get some profit centres re-started so that the Club can have the money to retain all the staff.
thanks for the update milly vanilly!
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