How It All Started

In 1961 a Mrs Collins, whose husband was an engineer with Telecoms, suggested to Toh Puan Sadiah Sardon, that it would be a good idea to set up a Cheshire Home in Kuala Lumpur. Group Captain Leonard Cheshire then instructed Colonel Nigel Watson to prepare a feasibility study on such a project because of the latter' a experience in this field particularly with regard to South East Asia. Mr Potter, then the Municipal Treasurer, and his wife also became interested in this venture and invited their friends Mr and Mrs Marjoribanks to join the Committee along with Mr and Mrs B.E. Wilkinson. Till today Wilkinson Process Rubber Co., Bhd, maintain their links with the Home allowing their work force to help with general maintenance of the buildings and grounds.

At first the idea was to obtain land and build but then it was decided there was an immediate requirement for such a Home and it would be quicker to purchase the present house for approximately $12,000 from Selayang Tin through the good offices of the Manager Mr Taylor. $4,000 was paid for the 3 acres site belonging to the State Government and the District Officer issued a lease on the land for 33 years with Toh Puan Sadiah Sardon as the sole trustee.

One of the first projects to raise funds was a musical play at the Town Hall. A flag day also helped with the finances and five residents were admitted to the Home in December 1963. Upon registration £,1000 was sent from London, England (£100 of this sum being from a friend of Group Captain Cheshire).

In May 1964, the Home with twelve residents, was officially declared open by the Royal Patron, Duli Yang Maha Mulia Tengku Ampuan Selangor. Group Captain Leonard Cheshire was also able to be present at this occassion along with Toh Puan Sadiah Sardon, the first Chairman of Rumah Amal Cheshire Selangor.