A historical photo exhibition on Kai Tak Airport opens today (16 November) as part of the Embracing Heritage – Jockey Club Community Cultural Heritage Programme. Funded by the Club’s Charities Trust, the exhibition is being held until 18 January at The Conservancy Association Centre for Heritage (CACHe), located at the Western Community Centre in Sai Ying Pun.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, attended by Assistant District Officer (Central & Western) Winston Chan, Collector James Ng and CACHe Chairman Stephen Chan, the Club’s Head of Charities Projects Rhoda Chan said the Embracing Heritage – Jockey Club Community Cultural Heritage Programme was aimed at conserving both tangible and intangible cultural heritage in the community. Expressing her hope that citizens could cherish memories of the closed Kai Tak Airport through the precious photos and aviation exhibits, she thanked The Conservancy Association Centre for Heritage for their continued role in preserving the collective memories of Hong Kong people.
The two-month exhibition showcases the development of the former Kai Tak Airport and its environs through various exhibits including old photos of the airport and its neighbourhood, air tickets issued between the 1950s and ’90s, and old airline newspaper advertisements. Supplementing the exhibits will be talks organised by CACHe to give the public a better understanding of Kai Tak’s history and to rekindle stories of sorrowful partings, joyous reunions and fond memories.
The Embracing Heritage – Jockey Club Community Cultural Heritage Programme is a three-year project launched in 2012 with HK$4.75 million funding from the Club’s Charities Trust. Apart from thematic exhibitions like the Kai Tak event, the Programme involves cultural tours, talks and workshops to raise public awareness of the city’s cultural heritage and to encourage residents to involve themselves in the preservation of local culture and heritage.
Similar projects sponsored by the Jockey Club include the Heritage Preservation and Rejuvenation Programme in Wan Chai; Community Classroom; Jockey Club Programme on Heritage Preservation by St. James’ Settlement, and HKJC Heritage x Arts x Design Walk Project by HULU Culture.
In addition, the Club funds four local activities that have been inscribed on to the National List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in China, namely the Cheung Chau Jiao Festival, the Tai O Traditional Dragon Boat Water Parade, the traditional Yu Lan Ghost Festival in the Chiu Chow Community and the Tai Hang Fire Dragon Parade, as well as a related education programme, Community Education Project for National intangible Cultural Heritage.
The Hong Kong Jockey Club
Founded in 1884, The Hong Kong Jockey Club is not only one of the world’s leading horse racing organisations, but also Hong Kong’s largest community contributor, donating HK$1.95 billion in 2012/13. In addition, the Club is a major taxpayer, Hong Kong’s single largest by far, generating over HK$17.64 billion in 2012/13 for public funds. The Club pioneers technology applications for sporting and betting entertainment, striving for the highest levels of customer service. As a membership club, it is recognised as one of Asia’s most prestigious. These multifaceted roles make it a well-respected and remarkable organisation, dedicated to its mission of enhancing the quality of life for all Hong Kong people.
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The Club's Head of Charities Projects Rhoda Chan (right) receives a souvenir from CACHe Chairman Stephen Chan (left). She hopes citizens can cherish memories of the closed Kai Tak Airport through the precious photos and aviation exhibits.
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(From right): The Cluba£á?s Head of Charities Projects Rhoda Chan joins CACHe Chairman Stephen Chan, Assistant District Officer (Central & Western) Winston Chan and Collector James Ng to officiate the opening ceremony of the a£á?Kai Tak Reunion - Kai Tak Airport Historical Photo Exhibitiona£á?.
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Photos 3/4:
Officiating guests tours the exhibition.
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Photos 5/6/7:
Exhibits and old photos at the a£á?Kai Tak Reunion - Kai Tak Airport Historical Photo Exhibitiona£á?.
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