CSC @ Bukit Batok transformed into a vibrant wonderland of lights on 13 September 2024 for Mid-Autumn Celebration, much to the delight of Civil Service Club (CSC) members living in the West. The event illuminated the clubhouse’s signature two-tier pool, casting a mesmerising glow over the water.

A girl decorating her hand with a sparkling glitter tattoo.

Families arrived with excitement, eager to immerse themselves in the festive spirit, and they weren't disappointed by the array of activities that awaited them, including caricature art, face painting and glitter tattoos. At the main stage, children and adults were treated to interactive games, hosted by the vivacious emcee, whose infectious energy kept the crowd buzzing. Meanwhile, a serene guzheng performance added an enchanting cultural touch, beautifully setting the tone for the celebration.

The emcee interacting playfully with the audience.

A must-attend for Bukit Batok residents

Ms Goh Junli came with her family, including her two-and-a-half-year-old twins, her husband and her in-laws. It was her second Mid-Autumn Celebration at CSCS @ Bukit Batok, and she marked the occasion by recreating photos that she had taken a year ago with the life-sized Miffy display.

Ms Goh Junli (2nd from right) taking a family photo with the Miffy display.

The Bukit Batok resident has been frequenting the clubhouse for the last six years. "The CSC membership is great value, and my entire family enjoys having fun at the pool," said the public service officer, who shared that she has just renewed her membership.

Families turning tradition into fun in the pomelo-peeling contest.

As the night progressed, families were enthralled by a mesmerising magic show and an exciting family pomelo-peeling contest. The pomelo, a large citrus fruit eaten during the Mid-Autumn Festival, is known for its thick rind, making it tricky to peel.

A magician wowing the audience with his entertaining acts.

Ms Teo Jing Wen enjoys spending family time at CSC @ Bukit Batok.

Ms Teo Jing Wen, who lives within walking distance of CSC @ Bukit Batok, thoroughly enjoyed the new additions to this year's event, such as caricature art and face painting. "We wanted to enjoy the Mid-Autumn Festival together as a family," says the public service officer, who was accompanied by her four-year-old son, her husband and her parents.

A family sharing a joyful moment as an artist sketches their caricature.

Ms Teo feels that her family has grown closer ever since she became a CSC member, sharing its perks with her loved ones. “I bring my brother and my nephews to the pool, and we’re also looking at booking the function rooms so we can hold mini celebrations and parties,” she shared. “It’s a great way to spend time with the family as well as with friends.”

A young attendee having her face painted.

A pleasant surprise for some

Among the beaming faces in the crowd was Ms Kasturi Upadhya, a public service officer and regular visitor to CSC @ Bukit Batok. "It's a wonderful surprise," Ms Uphadya exclaimed, having stumbled upon the Mid-Autumn Celebration when she, her two-year-old daughter and her mother arrived to use the pool. She wasted no time heading to the caricature booth to get a family portrait. "It's lovely to have a mother-daughter portrait as a keepsake. It makes a beautiful memory of the festival," she said. "The celebration is also an opportunity for my daughter to experience other cultures and traditions."

Ms Kasturi Upadhya (left) chanced upon the Mid-Autumn Celebration when she visited the CSC @ Bukit Batok pool with her mother and daughter.

Undeterred by the distance, Ms Upadhya makes the trip from her home in Woodlands to CSC @ Bukit Batok once a week. Her family enjoys the pool immensely for its interactive features — from the winding lazy river to the exhilarating wave pool and thrilling water slides. "It's quite thrilling compared to other pools," said Ms Uphadya. "It's a fantastic experience for the whole family."

Ms Nur Fathin Shamimi (far right) participated in her first Mid-Autumn Festival event at CSC @ Bukit Batok.

Likewise, for Ms Nur Fathin Shamimi, who has been a CSC member for less than a year, coming to the Mid-Autumn Festival was completely unplanned. "It's such a coincidence we're here, as we only wanted to use the pool," she said. Accompanied by her sisters, her nieces and nephews, and her five-year-old son, they were drawn to the caricature booths and the festive atmosphere. It was also the first-ever Mid-Autumn Festival event for Ms Shamimi. "This is indeed a good way for the kids to experience different cultures and activities of other races," she said.

An unexpected joy

Another highlight of the Mid-Autumn Celebration was a lantern walk around the clubhouse premises. And as with many CSC events, attendees stood a chance to win a special prize at a lucky draw — an auspicious conclusion to the Mid-Autumn Celebration.

Families embarking on a lantern walk around CSC @ Bukit Batok.

Hailing from France, Ms Nora Pataut is an associate member of CSC and has been living in Singapore for over 11 years. She walked home with the first prize of a one-night stay at a CSC @ Changi Deluxe Suite chalet. It was her first time winning a prize in a lucky draw. “We’ll definitely be taking the family to the chalet over a weekend,” said the mother of a five-year-old son and an eight-year-old daughter.

Ms Pataut and her family receiving the first prize of the lucky draw from CSC CE, Mr Charlie Ng.

Ms Pataut also shared that her family relied on mini-getaways to CSC chalets to deal with the border restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic. “It was our escapade — a lifesaver where we can feel like we are on a vacation overseas,” she said.

Don’t miss out on our next event! Find out what’s upcoming at CSC here.