|
There were 72 members and guests present. Guests included Joan and Keith Conrad. Keith is president of the Guelph
Wellington Men's Club. On arrival, the ladies were presented with pink or yellow rose corsages. The bar opened at
11:30 and guests mingled for half an hour.
President Tom Beale called the meeting to order at noon, with introductory remarks and a welcome to Keith Conrad.
Soren Sondergaard gave the grace, after which Tom Beale directed members and guests to the buffet, which featured
roast strip loin of beef as the entrée.
Photo by John Newstead
At the conclusion of dinner, John Pawley introduced guest speaker Ross Irwin. He noted Ross' military experience,
his membership in the Ontario Agricultural Hall of Fame, and involvement with The Guelph Historical Society,
currently as past president, and other achievements.
Ross Irwin spoke of his collection of historic Christmas cards and their symbolism. He showed slides of cards
from 1860 when they were collected as works of art, and the first Canadian cards from 1881. His talk linked
Christmas cards to the universal penny post of the 19th century with cards from Europe. Other interesting symbols
included Saint Nicholas, holly, mistletoe, pointsettias, robins (1862), wrens, snowmen, icicles, yulelogs and bells
and the change over time from "Merry Christmas" to "Seasons Greetings."
Tom Beale invited questions from the members and presented a gift with thanks to Mr. Irwin.
Tom Beale called on John Bull, Activities Chairman, who in turn thanked Dave Paterson for organizing the event.
Tom also thanked the staff of Victoria East Golf Club.
Keith Conrad thanked the club for inviting him and his wife and brought greetings from the GWMC.
Door prizes were drawn for: Kathleen Newstead, John Newstead, Soren Sondergaard, Marylyn Deyette, Mildred McLeod,
Warren Gregg, Bruce Folkard, Carole Taylor and Eleanor Durst.
The prizes were donated by: Victoria East Golf Course,
Stone Road Mall, Edible Arrangements, Tom Beale, Borealis Grille & Bar, Adonia Greek Dining, Rob Scouller.
Tom Beale adjourned the meeting at 2:00 pm and invited guests to stay awhile and socialize.
David Wallace
|
|
