President's Message Archives

December 09

As 2010 approaches, I would like to reflect upon our Club. In my meetings with other Club Presidents, I have heard about the hardships befalling many organizations this past year. Some have experienced dwindling memberships, discontinued paper communications, suspended directories and had reductions in charitable donations. These are challenging times when Clubs can support each other by being open and extending reciprocal invitations, and by planning in a fiscally responsible way - something that we, as Canadians do very well.

Perhaps this is the reason I can tell you that our Club is thriving and growing. We continue to welcome new members, we are committed to providing you with enhanced communications and we work very hard to manage our costs with a strong base of volunteers. Most importantly, we hold successful fundraising events which you generously support. Our charitable arm, the Maple Leaf Trust, has expanded its assistance, and we are very proud. Congratulations! We do all this together.

Looking forward, perhaps some of your new year’s resolutions include self-improvement or participating in new experiences? If so join us on some unique Art and Design outings, learn about blogs or discover historic landmarks such as the Royal Automobile Club, St Paul’s Cathedral or Lord’s Cricket Grounds. If you resolve to get fit, why not put on your skates for our party or get walking in the day at Regent’s Park or at night on our literary pub walk. However, our pièce de résistance is an exclusive Buckingham Palace Garden Tour - after two years on a waiting list and for the first time offered to public groups, this is special!

Visit our calendar of events, our blog and decide to come out and meet a wonderful group of women.

November 09

November is a time when we choose to remember. On the 5th, fireworks will fill the skies to mark Guy Fawkes Day, the anniversary of the Gunpowder Plot of 1605 to blow up Parliament and King James.

On Remembrance Sunday, November 8th, members of the Royal Family will join former and current members of the UK and Commonwealth services at the Cenotaph at 11am. Our CWC members and their families are invited to attend a Service of Remembrance at the Canada Memorial in Green Park at 13:45.

At this time of remembering, we can be very proud of the work of the CWC's longest standing committee, namely the Veterans' Support Committee (VSC). It was established after the Second World War to help Canadian servicemen from both World Wars who took their discharge in the UK. Because they did not return to Canada, due to unforeseen circumstances, many veterans found themselves in hardship. The VSC helps to support a number of these veterans and their wives, or widows, each year. When we raise funds for the Maple Leaf Trust, monies benefit both the VSC, which honours our past, and the Canadian Centennial Scholarship Fund, which promotes the future.

On November 10th we invite you to attend our "Love and Duty" Hospitality which will continue to honour the sacrifice of veterans and civilians, specifically women of the Red Cross. You will be inspired by the stories of these colourful quilts and moved by the film. Please join us.

Kind regards, 
Teresa

September 09

Welcome back! A new CWC season, a new look for the Autumn Bulletin, a new office manager AND a new President. Are you nervous yet? Rest assured, based on our recent membership survey feedback, some changes have been made with you in mind - more art tours, lectures, walks, architecture, evening events and blockbuster speakers. Top on your list are outings to special venues, and that has been arranged- Buckingham Palace, The Athenaeum, Silver Vaults, the Lanesborough, Eton College and more.

May I share with you my personal vision for the Club? First, to offer members Value for Membership. Activities and events wherever possible will have a member cost and a guest cost. We will try to negotiate better prices, group rates or subsidize though increased advertising. Additionally our bulletin and e-newsletter will be filled to the brim with events for you to have greater choice.

Second, we provide Service and Support to our charitable causes by attending a fundraiser, or an activity with a charitable component such as Bridge or Culinary Corner. We support each other in sharing information, friendship and helping members adjust to life in the UK. Third, I do believe that we should have some Fun along the way!

If you are just perusing our website and thinking about joining, please accept my personal invitation to attend any event listed in our calendar. All with a little Canadian flavour thrown in but not exclusively for Canadians! Our monthly hospitality coffee mornings with a speaker are an ideal way to get to know us. So if you are new to the UK, or just a bit homesick, come and enjoy our events and activities.

Kind regards, 
Teresa ……teresa@canadianwomenlondon.org

6 July 09

Welcome!

Whether you are a potential new member or an existing one, I am very happy that you are visiting our website during this hot hazy summer!

Perhaps you even stopped by our booth on Canada Day in Trafalgar Square where Canadians united proudly in a sea of red and white amidst the hockey, music and smiles. You can enjoy our pictures of the day on our blog: http://canadianwomensclublondon.blogspot.com.

Did you know that a Canada Day Survey, noted in The Globe and Mail, states that 89% of Canadians now say that they live in the best country in the world; and 87% believe that Canada is in better shape than any other country to deal with the world economic situation? We can be proud.

Assuming the Presidency in June, I am incredibly fortunate to be part of an Executive team that is passionate and focused about our Canadian connections, events and our charitable causes. In fact, the team spent July 3rd in an all-day strategic planning session reviewing the membership survey results, brainstorming new ideas, strengthening our services and enthusiastically building energy for the fall season.

Wait till you see what is planned! The speakers for our coffee Hospitality mornings are unique, the cultural visits and lectures inspiring and the opportunity to meet interesting members and make new friendships are boundless.

So, if you want to discover London and beyond, be proud of your Canadian heritage, expand your horizons with the most welcoming group of women this side of the Atlantic, this is the Club for you. Watch our Calendar, which will start to fill up with events in the coming weeks, or join the CWC and receive our E-newsletter – which lists even more members-only events.

If you wish to use your skills, volunteer, or have an idea for an event, please write to me at teresa@canadianwomenlondon.org.

Teresa Howe

19 May 09

Planning for our Annual General Meeting on Thursday, 18th June at the Canadian High Commission is underway! All members should have received a small package of papers, including the minutes from last year, the agenda for this year's meeting, and nominations for the CWC executive. Please remember to let us know if you'll be attending and would like to stay for lunch no later than June 12th. In addition, please give us your views on future events by returning the questionnaire. I look forwarding to seeing you on the 18th and celebrating what has been a truly wonderful year!

Best wishes,

Margaret

25 Mar 09

Dear Members:

I am very excited to announce that our recent dinner and auction  benefiting the Maple Leaf Trust was a huge success.  Our Honorary  President, Donna Thomson and her husband, High Commissioner, Jim Wright hosted a truly memorable evening. A special thanks to Jim and Donna, the organizing team, our Office Manager, Phyllis Nickerson and the ladies who helped on the night.  While Teresa Howe has captured the evening beautifully on our blog, Barbara Richards has put together an amazing array of pictures. In case you haven’t yet bookmarked our blog, here is the link: canadianwomensclublondon.blogspot.com

We are thrilled to have had a steady flow of new members. Given that April 1st marks the beginning of another membership year (2009-2010) , it seems fitting to acknowledge the hard work of our membership co-ordinator, Lois Darley. Members are the lifeblood of our organization and we are very truly appreciative of Lois’ attentiveness to membership matters.  She and Phyllis have been a great team.

We are currently putting together a schedule of events for the next quarter (April through June).  There are some wonderful outings being planned with you in mind.  If you have an idea for a possible speaker or outing, please do not hesitate to send me an email with any and all suggestions.  Full details of a wide range of activities will appear in our Bulletin that should be with you in the next few weeks.

This coming quarter will culminate with what has become a treasured tradition among members of the Canadian community living in the UK… Canada Day in Trafalgar Square.  Generally speaking, people want to be in the company of other Canadians on July 1st.  Plans for this year’s celebration are now being formulated.  We would very much welcome your comments on previous years’ celebrations as well as your thoughts and ideas as to how we can promote the CWC and the MLT that day.  Please drop me an email at info@canadianwomenlondon.org with your thoughts.

In closing, I would like to bit adieu to the Siglers.  Their hard work promoting the province of Alberta has benefited the entire UK based Canadian community and we are most grateful.  Both Murray and Judy have been huge supporters of the CWC and MLT during their time here in London.  We can’t thank them enough and they will be missed! Wishing them well in their new endeavours back in Alberta.

Best wishes,

Margaret Wickware

13 Feb 09

Dear Members:

The weather over the past fortnight has been really quite amazing. Last week, the UK experienced its heaviest snowfall in 18 years and I quite enjoyed this brief reminder of Canadian winters. However, I am quite happy that the snow was short-lived and today's sunshine is kindling thoughts of springtime.

Just as the weather has been quite amazing, the CWC has had an exceptional couple of weeks. Last week, we were truly delighted to have CWC members and friends from various other women's clubs gather for a special coffee morning to hear Canadian Bronwyn Cosgrave speak about fashion at the Oscars. Having meticulously researched her subject, Bronwyn regaled us with amusing anecdotes of Canadian Mary Pickford, Bette Davis and Cher among others who have enjoyed red carpet fame over the decades. Kudos to Patty Bell for organizing this event and to her team of ladies who assisted on the day. It was wonderful to have so many out and to be able to raise about £500 for the Maple Leaf Trust.

This past Tuesday, our regular monthly hospitality was also particularly interesting. Canadians Camilla Gibb and Nancy Durrell McKenna gave powerful presentations highlighting the situation with respect to women in Ethiopia. While Camilla spoke about living with a family in Ethiopia as preparation for writing not only her doctoral thesis but also her award-winning work of fiction, Sweetness in the Belly, Nancy used visual media to highlight her work on behalf of mothers in that country. The film clips and pictures made clear just how great a need there is for the training of health workers to assist women in childbirth. If you missed our gathering, I strongly encourage you to read Camilla's book and to visit Nancy's website (www.safehands.org).

Our programme of exceptional speakers continues with young Canadian entrepreneur, Kresse Wesling speaking about her various imaginative, eco-friendly endeavours at our March hospitality. I do hope you will join us.

With best wishes,

Margaret Wickware

15 Jan 09

Dear Members

Happy New Year! I hope that by now you have received the Winter Issue of the CWC Bulletin and have had a chance to mark your 2009 diaries with at least a few of the various outings planned to take place in the next quarter. Actually, a number of calendar entries are imminent - the outing to the Annie Liebovitz exhibit, the launch of Jordan Lancaster's book, Vesuvius, the presentation and tour of the amazing photography exhibit on Afghan women at Canada House and our special coffee morning with fashion writer, Bronwyn Cosgrave. I hope at least one of these events has caught your attention.

Given that Canadian Bronwyn Cosgrave will be sharing with us stories about the fashions worn by celebrities to the Golden Globes and the Oscars, we thought it would be timely to highlight another anadian who actually dresses these celebrities. Erdem, a CCSF scholarship winner in 2002-2003 has gone on to design for the red carpet. His collections of beautiful floaty frocks are often noted in the local London papers. A special thank you to CWC member/CCSF committee member, Jaime Snell-Mendoza for crafting the Bulletin article on Erdem that I hope puts you in mood to enjoy a morning peaking into the world of red carpet fashion. Please invite your friends and come along. Proceeds to the Maple Leaf Trust.

Also, I have no doubt that you will enjoy the visit to Canada House that we have planned for January 22nd. Anna Kepellas will welcome us with coffee and give us a short presentation on Canada's role in Afghanistan as it pertains specifically to women. The current Canada House exhibit of photographs by Lana Slezic is not to be missed. Given Canada's commitment to this war torn country, I personally feel a need to be better informed - to know more of the facts about Canada's mission to Afghanistan. I do hope you will join me.

With best wishes,

Margaret Wickware

1 Dec 2008

Dear Members,

The Christmas season is upon us!  For the Canadian community in the UK, this season is anchored by our annual carol service. A uniquely British tradition, this service of lessons and carols was adopted by the CWC over 30 years ago.  This year, we are honoured to have our oldest living Past CWC President, Elizabeth Buchanan as our guest of honour. As it happens, it was during Elizabeth's term of office (1972-74) that the first carol service took place.  With several amazing musicians scheduled to perform during this year's service, I can assure you that it will be a lovely evening.  Please do join us this Friday, December 5th at 6:30 pm at the Church of Scotland in Covent Gardens.

Then, on the following Tuesday, December 9th, we will gather for our Christmas hospitality at the festively decorated home of Patty Bell in Pimlico.  Please do not forget to bring along a sweet or savoury for our potluck lunch and a Christmas ornament or seasonal item for the 'bring and buy' sale.  The sale was a great success last year and I look forward to picking up some beautiful handmade cards and perhaps a heart shaped ornament or two for my collection.  Hopefully, you, too, will find a treasure that day.

Continuing our celebration of the season, our Honorary President, Donna Thomson has graciously offered to host an Evening tour of the amazing collection of art in the High Commission's official residence on December 16th.  With Christmas decorations in place, a professional pianist on hand and seasonal refreshments for our guests, it promises to be truly a delightful evening (we have just a few places left at time of writing). 

While there are a number of Christmas concerts in London in the next few weeks, I would like to bring one to your attention. The Concordia Foundation will be holding their Candlelit Christmas Concert at St. Paul's Church, Covent Garden on December 20th.  That evening, a lovely young Canadian from Vancouver, Annie Yim will be awarded the Concordia Barthel Prize and will be performing at the concert.

With best wishes,

Margaret Wickware

23 October 2008

Dear Members,

'Undoubtedly, it's the grandest social gathering you will be invited to this autumn. Emperors, popes and princes; doges, duchesses and diplomats will be attending'. In its review of Renaissance Faces: Van Eyck to Titian, The Times went on to say that this 'vivacious and varied exhibition has the slightly extemporary feel of a party'. The CWC is inviting you to join in this auspicious gathering at the National Gallery on November 12th. Please see the calendar listing for further information.

Speaking of grandeur and art, Vice President, Patty Bell organized a wonderful speaker for our October hospitality meeting. Art historian, Alex Hirtzel not only presented a very interesting armchair tour of the Wallace Collection but also regaled us with details of the spicier variety surrounding that grand building. As well, Alex was quite delighted to read in our own CWC History book (page 43) about one of our earliest VP's connection to the Wallace Collection. You can order a copy of the book here.

While last week concluded with a lovely celebration of Canadian Thanksgiving organized by Surrey Group Co-ordinator, Doris Dalacker, we are now looking forward to a lively discussion of Canadian author, Ross King's work on French Impressionism at the Afternoon Book Group. This art theme continues on Thursday, October 30th as a group of CWC members will gather at the British Museum for lunch and a tour by CWC member, Hazel Simpson. Then, on Friday, we turn to matters of our health - please check out this free event organized by Vice President, Teresa Howe that is listed in our calendar of events.

November is around the corner and I sincerely hope you have browsed through our red fall bulletin and found an outing or two that has peaked your interest. If not, please do not hesitate to send me an email via the CWC, with your thoughts and suggestions for future CWC events and activities. I welcome your comments. Also, I do hope you'll join us for our 2nd Annual CWC Tea at the beautiful Chesterfield Mayfair hotel on Thursday November 20th!

Best wishes,

Margaret Wickware

September 2008

Dear Members:

This past Tuesday we launched our 2008-2009 season with a hospitality morning at the High Commission. It was truly a lovely day. I particularly enjoyed not only catching up with members that I had not seen over the summer but also meeting a good number of new members or potential members. There was such ‘a buzz' in the room that it certainly confirmed in my mind that the CWC is thriving!

I noticed several sign up sheets were filling up with names as each of our activity leaders invited one and all to come along on their outings. If you were not able to join us this past Tuesday, I hope you have had a chance to browse our red covered fall bulletin and to mark your calendars for a least one or two events. Several of our events – a cooking class and the ‘Let's do lunch' group gather next week and there are others meeting shortly thereafter including the French Gathering and the afternoon book club. Without a doubt, this season is off to a great start!

At last Tuesday's meeting, we were delighted to have a number of guests:
* A contingent from the Commonwealth Countries League, including the wife of the Kenyan High Commissioner, helped us learn more about this organization with which the CWC has been affiliated for decades. Please mark your diaries as their upcoming fair is November 7th and 8th. Proceeds will support the education of girls in Commonwealth countries.

* Hugh Westacott invited us to join him on his country walks (and what could be better - doing something healthy, exploring the English countryside and enjoying the company of other Canadian ladies) while Lis Hobden's display of lovely jewelry and silks certainly enticed us to come along to one of her workshops. Details of all these activities are available through the CWC office.

* Dalaina Stone gave everyone a copy of the recent issue of Expat Living and kindly offered to include information about our charitable causes on her website.

* Two of our advertisers who make our publications possible, SAT Travel and Gemmaway, were both pleased to join us that day. Gemmaway had a draw for a day out to the Cotswolds and I am delighted to announce that Kathy, a potential member who heard about us through our booth on Canada Day, won this lovely prize.

Also, I would like to mention that I was so very pleased that new member, Kris, won our door prize, an autographed copy of the book, 'Sweetness in the Belly' by Camilla Gibb. Kris was part of a group of lovely ladies from Surrey who joined us that day. I look forward to catching up with them again soon!

In closing, I would also like to again thank Lolly Fullerton and her team from the High Commission who organized a very successful Comedy night last week and raised £400 for the Maple Leaft Trust.

This note may be a bit long but is a testament to the fact that the club is indeed thriving. I hope we will meet up soon.

Best wishes,

Margaret Wickware

13 June 2008

Dear Members,

Although the weather did not cooperate, our Garden Party was a great success. A very special thank you to Louisa Service for continuing the long standing tradition of hosting CWC events in her lovely home. As well, a vote of thanks is offered to our hardworking garden party organizing team - Teresa, Patty, Doris, Barbara and the Nickerson family. Well done!

Also, last week, the members of the Canadian Centennial Scholarship Committee met to interview 14 of the 94 young Canadian students who applied for scholarships for the coming academic year.

CCSF committee chairman, Judy Wiesinger noted that the calibre of applicant was exceptionally strong with many more worthy applicants than they were able to recognize. A total of 14 scholarships aggregating £28,000 were awarded from monies in large part received from the Maple Leaf Trust, the charitable arm of the CWC. While our communications co-ordinator, Barbara Richards prepared a very professional press release to apprise our donors and affiliated organizations of this great news, full details of 'the CCSF class of 2008' will be on the Maple Leaf Trust website momentarily.

I have heard that the outing to visit the gardens at Prince Charles' Highgrove estate was really a super day out. We must thank Past President, Patricia Peabody for applying for this special garden tour. Another Past President, Bonnie Alter has filed a colourful report on her blog at treehugger Also, kudos to Lolly for organizing the coach and the goodies for this event.

While the summer means that the club slows down somewhat, there are still a few events on the calendar - cooking classes, book club gatherings, a luncheon outing to mention but a few. If you are around, I do hope you will come along to some of these events. It might be a perfect time to sample something different! Most importantly, however, I do hope you are planning to join us next week for our Annual General Meeting. While we intend to celebrate what has been a fantastic year with our many 75th anniversary celebrations, it is also an opportunity to look ahead. A preview of activities for the fall will be distributed. Come and get a hint of some of the great events being planned. As well, a delicious complimentary buffet luncheon will be served. It would be great to see you... please come along.

If the summer gives you an opportunity to do some pleasure reading, there is some great news about Canadian authors. Montreal based writer, Rawi Hage was just awarded the IMPAC Prize (the world's richest prize for fiction), for his novel De Niro's Game. Lawrence Hill of Canada was the overall Best Book winner of the 2008 Commonwealth Writers' Prize for The Book of Negroes and two Canadians were shortlisted for the prestigious Orange Broadband Prize: Nancy Huston for her work entitled Fault Lines and Heather O'Neill's first novel, Lullabies for Little Criminals.

Finally, I would like to add that Canada Day is around the corner. For further details, check out the website. I do hope to see you enjoying the Canadian fare in Trafalgar Square on July 1st!

With best wishes,

Margaret Wickware

30 May 2008

Dear Members,

I am very pleased to report that the Literary Evening held on 22 May was indeed very special. CWC members and guests gathered in the large salon of MacDonald House at Grosvenor Square, to hear UK-based Canadian author, Mary Lawson.

It was fascinating to hear her speak not only about the creative writing process but also the publishing process. Both certainly require perseverance! Clearly, Mary has very fond and vivid memories of her childhood summers in Canada. The setting for both her novels, Crowe Lake and The Other Side of the Bridge, really struck a chord with me - having been born in northern Ontario not too far from the town of New Liskeard. However, it is her portrayal of familial relationships that has taken her books to 25 countries, in 19 languages. We were certainly proud and honoured to have Mary with us that evening.

I also want to mention that the roses are starting to bloom in Louisa Service's garden! If that doesn't entice you to attend the Garden Party on 3 June, a harpist will be entertaining us while we sip tea or a glass of bubbly and sample lovely tea sandwiches and sweets.

As well, several vendors will also be on hand to tempt us with some heavenly scented candles, beautiful pottery and gorgeous jewellery - among other items. Your company will make this event perfect! Please do join us as we conclude our 75th anniversary celebrations.

Looking forward to seeing you soon.

Best wishes,

Margaret Wickware