CP opens JPC Clubhouse
The clubhouse is located in the beautiful Victorian former Sheung Shui Police Station. Built in 1902, and now officially a "monument", the building started as the Number Six Police Station. For many years it performed a vital function to provide water from a well (now sealed to prevent accidents) for the various police posts throughout the New Territories.
The renovation project was the brainchild of Tai Po District Police Community Relations Officer Tracy Lee Shui-tai and was designed to coincide with the completion of a review of the JPC organisation. To some extent, the renovation works were affected by bad weather and the need to conserve two huge camphor trees.
Tracy recalled: "I have been visiting the site almost every day recently. Even a week ago, this place was a building site. I put on a brave face, but I must admit, there were so many problems to deal with, I was worried."
Tai Po District Commander Charles Mitchell has praised his staff for the renovation project. He said: "All the PCRO staff have worked really hard on this. I wasn't worried at all, despite making rash promises to CP, I knew they would pull it off!"
The clubhouse now features computer, library/study, photographic studio and "history" rooms, all fitted out by the courtesy of the Honorary Presidents.
The old canteen has been turned into a multi-purpose hall/dance studio and arts/ pottery/cooking workshop.
"The facilities we have here now are second to none. I must extend my thanks to all those people and organisations that have donated time and money to this project,"said Mr Mitchell.
Tai Po JPC has been helping the Kadoorie Farm Botanical Garden (KFBG) with their tree-planting project and KFBG will reciprocate by providing indigenous plants for the clubhouse's gardens.
A long-standing supporter of the Tai Po JPC, the Hong Kong Golf Club has donated a pottery kiln for the artworks produced in pottery classes.
The Chairman of the Tai Po JPC Hon Presidents, Mr Chan Chi-chiu commented: "All the Hon Presidents have been really excited by this project! This is the biggest clubhouse in the Force and being part of this history-making effort is really an honour."
Commissioner Lee Ming-kwai officiated at a ceremony on December 8 to re-open the Tai Po District Junior Police Call (JPC) Clubhouse in Sheung Shui Wai. Following a dragon dance performed by JPC members, Mr Lee unveiled a commemorative plaque and watched demonstrations of pottery and cooking skills.
