Christmas Luncheon ~ November 30, 2006

The first annual Christmas luncheon of the RCMC was held at the Victoria East Golf Course on the above date commencing at 11:30 a.m. This being an event that included member's spouses/partners, a total of 73 persons were in attendance. At 12:00 noon the President welcomed those present and introduced the guests from the Guelph Wellington Men's Club, Bruce and Nora Stone and Peter and June Moore. Also at the head table were Vice-president Tom Beale with his wife Margaret and David Paterson with his wife Barbara. The President announced, with regret, the absence of his wife Carolyn due to illness. Soren Sondergaard led those present in a blessing on the food and lunch was served in buffet style. The menu included salads, herb roasted chicken, lasagna, vegetables and buns. Following the main course, desserts were presented at the buffet and coffee was served at the individual tables. Following a Christmassy joke by Warren Gregg, Tom Beale introduced the speaker, Peter Moore. Peter presented some of the historical background to the Christmas season practices that we enjoy. Of interest was the fact that some of the Christian practices and rites have pagan origins. He commented on the secularization of some of our traditional Christian observances but in a neutral manner. He did, however, quote the messages from some greeting cards that were quite droll but of questionable taste, in his opinion.

At the conclusion of his talk Peter presented the President with a brass bell and a wooden gavel as a gift from the Guelph Wellington Men's Club. The President accepted these gifts with thanks and remarked that the GWMC have been very supportive of the new club and that this support was very much appreciated. A total of six door prizes were then distributed based on the drawing of the personally signed luncheon tickets. Bruce Stone was asked to select the first ticket and the winners then selected the remaining tickets.

Photo by Dave Paterson

The prizes were from Victoria East ($90), Stone Road Mall ($60 and $40), Casey's Bar and Grill ($30), Heather's Natural Soap Company (presentation crate of soap) and Manhattan's Pizza Bistro ($25). Following a reminder of the next regular meeting of the RCMC on December 14 the President adjourned the luncheon at 1:50 p.m. with the ringing of the new bell.