General Meeting ~ February 18th 2010

The Royal City Men's Club met at Trinity United Church Gymnasium on the above date. There were 42 members and one guest present. President Tom Beale rang the ceremonial bell at 9:55 a.m. and welcomed everyone to the meeting. Ron Usborne introduced first time guest, Larry Hillier, poking a bit of fun at his having most recently worked for Revenue Canada. President Beale drew member's attention to a flyer advertising a fund-raiser for the people of Haiti, read out a few interesting historical facts and told a rather good joke. Len Johnstone spoke briefly about plans for a visit to the Mohawk Raceway in lieu of our regular meeting on July 22nd and a Night at the Races, including dinner, on July 29th. A $20 per person deposit for the July 29 event is required by the Raceway by May 1st, and a sign-up sheet will be available at the next meeting [March 4]. Tom thanked Len for organizing a very successful Sweetheart Dinner that saw 35 people attend. Ron Usborne introduced speaker, Dr. Paul Woods, professor of clinical studies at the Ontario Veterinary College. Dr. Woods' topic was “Ten Years before the Mast”: a recounting of his experiences as a trainee on the Tall Ship Europa. He joined the barque Europa in Boston and disembarked in Halifax. The ship had a professional crew of 14 and 48 trainees. The trainees were of all ages and nationalities. At any one time, 1/3 of the crew were working, 1/3 on relaxation and 1/3 sleeping. Paul was a complete stranger to sailing and said it was a great experience to become a student as opposed to his usual role as a professor at the University of Guelph. He 'developed a new appreciation for the blank looks he sometimes gets from his students!' The Bark Europa is a working ship, and trainees have to pay for the privilege of working alongside the professional sailors. Dr. Woods used a set of very good slides to support his presentation and responded to questions both during and after his presentation. He advised that the Europa will be in Toronto for Canada Day in 2010 and has scheduled sailings to the Antarctic. Information about the Europa, its itinerary and fee schedule can be found on their website, www.barkeuropa.com Murray Mathieson thanked Dr. Woods for his presentation and gave him a small token of appreciation on behalf of the RCMC. Tom Beale advised that there will be a sign-up sheet for the Anniversary Luncheon at the next meeting which will be on March 4, and that Dr. Rickey Yada from the University of Guelph will be speaking about nutrition. He adjourned the meeting at 11:05 a.m. Gordon Framst Secretary