Royal City Men's Club
  • Home
  • About
    • About the Club
    • Board of Directors
    • Constitution
    • Policies Manual
    • Activities
  • Meetings
  • Membership
  • Newsletter
    • 2023 June
    • 2023 May
    • 2023 April
    • 2023 March
    • 2023 February
    • 2023 January
    • 2022 December
    • 2022 November
    • 2022 October
    • 2022 September
    • 2022 August
    • 2022 July
    • 2022 June
    • 2022 May
    • 2022March/April
    • 2022Jan/Feb
  • Contact
  • Speaker's Notes
  • Photos
  • General Mtg Minutes
  • Archives
    • Past Activities
    • Past Newsletters PDF
    • Membership Meeting Minutes
    • Annual Report
    • Board Mtg Minutes
    • Constitution Archives >
      • Draft 2016
      • Change Process 2016
      • Constitution 2006
  • Speakers Committee

Meeting Minutes-Sept. 29th. 2022-Neil Dunsmore: Walk from Fergus to Ottawa

32 Members and guest in attendance

President John called meeting to order at 9:55 AM

2 members have Covid, Ken Alsop and Len Bickerton and they are part of house committee and we hope they are better soon.

John introduced Neil Dunsmore who will be speaker today

Don Mould is a guest today and comes from Wellington Men’s Club

Gary Luck gave an update on John Proctor a long time member who moved to Calgary to be closer to his children. Move was difficult as many unexpected expenses incurred to get driving license as well as close house deals as lawyers in Ontario and Alberta were required. Move was difficult but they have settled in well.
John made mention of a hike that took place a couple of weeks ago and thanked Ken Marchant for leading hike and being so knowledgeable about the trees. Also thanked Martin Alderwick for supplying coffee.
Also thanked kitchen crew of Bob Berry and Bill Rowley for a great job without the usual crew of helpers.
Reminder for coffee next Thursday at Boathouse. 9:30 AM. Very popular with members. Also encouraged members to have Royal City Men’s Club cards to recruit new members.
Ken Marchant gave update on activities coming up. Village By Arboretum Cabaret on Thursday November 18, and Friday November 19. Tickets are going fast so please sign up and pay as soon as possible.
Christmas luncheon to be held December 8 at noon and we need a good turnout for this event as not been held for last 2 years.

Introduce Neil Dunsmore
Former corrections officer and hostage negotiator,
Walked 532 km from Elora to Ottawa to raise funds for mental health. Has also written a book about the experience which is available for purchase and all funds support mental health initiatives in Centre Wellington.
A friend of his, Peter had cycled to raise money for suicide prevention in police officers gave Neil idea to walk.
Mental Health is everyone’s issue. Often a secret and every family has been touched by it. Each of us can do our part to support friends and family so be aware for signs of potential suicide.
A couple of stories that he shared: A relative form Scotland called and because of his training Neil was aware that something was wrong. Asked if caller was thinking of suicide and he was. Neil was able to contact another relative in Scotland who was able to intervene and prevent this.
He also came across a women on trail who turned out was being abused so he engaged her and was able to help her get to a shelter safely. There are many things we can do to help others, so please reach out when you suspect concern.
Overall he raised about 27K for a young person’s centre in Centre Wellington.
Message: You can be everything to somebody so reach out to help.
John thanked Neil for excellent presentation and reminded about availability of book for purchase.


In 2 weeks speaker is Nicola Ross who has written about local trails.
Closed meeting 11:13 AM
Copyright  Royal City Men's Club 2015 -2023