The name Men’s Bar has survived yet another innings.
At the Special General Meeting (SGM) of the Singapore Cricket Club (SCC) on Sept 23, among the members registered, 53.49 per cent voted against changing its name to 1852 or Captain’s Bar.
The tone of play was set early when 50.68 per cent opposed the first resolution, which sought to prevent facilities from being named after race, religion, or gender except where functionally necessary, such as changing rooms.
However, a resolution to install a plaque acknowledging the Men’s Bar’s origins passed with 58.31 per cent support.
The speeches leading up to the voting were spirited, with members split over whether the name of the bar symbolised cherished tradition or outdated exclusion.
Traditionalists argued that the current name reflects heritage and a reminder of how far the club has evolved since its only-men days.
“The Men’s Bar is part of who we are as a club,” one long-time member remarked after the results were announced. “It represents our story, our roots, and our traditions.
“The name has been there for more than 150 years and is not discriminatory, as women can visit the Men’s Bar.”
Others saw it differently. Ms Zaibun Siraj, 78, in a speech supporting change, said: “When traditions are written in stone, they become dogma, unchallengeable, doctrinal. Traditions must eventually accommodate modern life. As W. Somerset Maugham said, ‘Tradition is a guide and not a jailer’.”
She and other like-minded members felt that, while women are welcome at the bar, its name continues to project an outdated image, one that edges dangerously close to being caught behind by the norms of modern inclusivity.
As one of her supporters lamented: “We are no longer an only-men club, yet the name suggests otherwise. It sends the wrong signal to new members and guests.”
This decision to maintain the name marks the latest chapter in a long-running saga. In 2024, a poll among members resulted in it being renamed 1852 – The Heritage Bar.
However, this decision was reversed at the 2025 Annual General Meeting, restoring the original name.
Now, with Men’s Bar still holding the crease, it remains to be seen whether the controversy finally ends here or continues.
