Christmas Luncheon ~ November 27, 2008

The Royal City Men's held its third annual Christmas Luncheon at the Victoria East Golf Club on the above date. The cash bar opened at 11:30 and at 12:10 President Tom Beale introduced RCMC Past-President John Pawley and guests Gary Clarke, President of the GWMC, his wife Kaye, and the Reverend Dr. Ron Smeaton. Photo by John Newstead Photo by John Newstead Soren Sondergard offered a blessing and the Head Table led the procession to the buffet. As usual, everyone seemed to enjoy their lunch and company at their tables. Photo by John Newstead Following lunch, President Tom Beale introduced guest speaker, the Reverend Dr. Ron Smeaton. Dr. Smeaton lived up to his reputation as a first class speaker, abandoning a noisy microphone and walking around between the tables. He talked about taking the holy out of holidays and the different paths that everyone takes. He ended with a heart-felt message that all paths ultimately lead to the same place. Ralph Shaw thanked Dr. Smeaton and presented him with a small token of appreciation from the RCMC. President Beale then started the draw for door prizes, assisted by Dave Paterson. Winners were: Gordon Framst, Warren Gregg, Patricia Jackson, Nita Johnstone, Pat Lawrie, Judy Li, Nancy Rose, Ken Smith and Diane Wallace. Thanks to Victoria Park East, Stone Road Mall, Monte's Place, the Greek Garden, Tom Beale and Rob Scouller for their donations. At the conclusion of the draws Tom recognized Dave Paterson for organizing the luncheon and invited the kitchen staff to come and be recognized by everyone present. A number of very favourable comments were heard about the beef and desserts in particular. At 1:50 the luncheon ended with President Beale announcing that the next meeting would be in two weeks and the speaker will be Lloyd Longfield, President of the Guelph Chamber of Commerce. Gordon Framst Secretary