Appreciating Government House

The staff of Government House have been very busy these few days, especially our "flower lady" (Amenities Assistant), who has been toiling away in the garden to get the flowers and plants ready for tomorrow's Open Day.

The upcoming Open Day is special to my wife and me because it is our first one after moving into Government House in late October last year. In anticipation of the big day, we arranged a sneak preview today for nearly 1 000 members of 29 integrated family service centres run by the Social Welfare Department and non-governmental organisations to let them have a close look at this historic building ahead of the general public.

This afternoon, my wife and I showed the visitors from a few centres around. As a resident here, I doubled as a docent to brief them on the history and architectural features of this monument.

Bearing witness to Hong Kong's changes over the years, Government House has a very special place in the hearts of our people. No wonder great numbers of locals and tourists flock here every year on its Open Day. I hope that while admiring the seasonal flowers and taking photos, you will also take time to learn more about the 162 years of history and the cultural background of this building through the architecture, docent service or display boards, and relive the collective memories of the past century and a half.

I am grateful to the staff of the integrated family service centres for their assistance in organising today's visit. I must also thank the docents arranged by the Antiquities and Monuments Office, as well as the Police Band and students of St Stephen's College and Wah Yan College, Kowloon, for their participation in tomorrow's Open Day, which will add colour to this annual event.

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March 9, 2013