Hi
Just wanted to say how much I enjoyed Kirsten's article about Stanley and Sea and Sky Court in the 1970s. It brought back many memories - particularly of the 'scent' of the rice-wine factory on the corner of the market, going round to Sea and Sky.
I lived in Gordon Terrace from 1967-1970 and knew Stanley and the market area very well. I have been back on several visits and found Stanley market quite sanitised in comparison to when I lived nearby. When I visited in the late 1990s, the area around Sea and Sky was much changed - I remember a restaurant and a chic cafe/bar that looked out onto the bay.
I have no memory of the statue of Kwan Kin so presume it must have been erected after 1970.
I have such affection for Hong Kong and so enjoy reminiscing over the old photographs - I have learned so much, too.
Stanley
Such a delight to read all Stanley related stories as I lived there from 1953 (as a 4 yr old), when we move into parent's new house. It was the house just adjacent and above Gordon Terrace. That house was later sadly demolished (late 70s) and the site became part of the Carmel Hill development. As kids (with brother and cousins) we used to roam the bare hills above Ma Hang and Stanley Mound. Hard to believe Stanley and Chung Hom Kok areas have developed into concrete highrise jungles!
The site where Gordon Terrace stands was also bare during the 50s and early 60s. We used to frequent that area to fly model planes! Also vivid memories of kite fights / duels over the skies of Stanley. We would be flying kites while others would send their kites up from the village / Ma Hang and cut our lines with theirs. We later learned the trick to coat our lines with ground glass powder! Many kites were lost as they drifted off with the wind !
I attended the kindergarten at St Stephen's Beach before attending St Paul's Co-ed at Mid Levels. Cousins attended St Stephen's Primary and Secondary. Childhood memories of Stanley are vivid and sweet!