President's Message Archives

15 July 2008

Margaret Wickware, our President, is back in Canada at the moment, so here's a quick note from me.

The CWC enjoyed a wonderful day at Trafalgar Square on Canada Day and we want to thank everyone who stopped by our booth. More than 70 ladies took the time to fill out forms about membership, and we're looking forward to many of them joining up! Hundreds of visitors dropped by and told us about their travels in England or life in London. It's amazing how a Canadian connection gets the conversation going! In the sea of red and white across Trafalgar Square, people sipped Tim Horton's coffee, heard about Canadian clubs and schools or just soaked up the music and hockey demonstrations. It was energizing to be part of the proud Canadian crowd waving flags and celebrating under a glorious blue sky and sunshine!

We were thrilled that James Wright, Canadian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, was able to stop by the booth to be presented with a copy of our recently published History Book by our President, Margaret Wickware. (I'm on the left in my Canadian baseball cap!)

With the summer well underway, many of our activities and leaders are taking a well-earned rest. It might seem a bit early to think about the fall, but our calendar page is already full of wonderful events so now is a good time to get them in your diaries. More events will be added when things get underway again in September.

We warmly welcome all women with an interest in Canada to join our club. Membership provides bimonthly e-newsletters, mailed quarterly bulletins, coffee mornings, country walks, bridge, cooking classes, museum and art gallery tours, a Carol service and the list goes on and on. This past year special events included: Tea at the Dorchester, a trip to the Highgrove estate, a Literary Evening with Canadian author Mary Lawson, a French Trip to Versailles, the Family Thanksgiving Dinner in Surrey, and an Auction Fundraising Evening at the High Commissioner's residence, to name a few. Our next season promises to be just as exciting.

More than a social club, the CWC is unique because we support and manage the premier charity of the Canadian-UK community, namely the Maple Leaf Trust; and we have an office in the Canadian High Commission. Since 1932, the Club has been a home away from home for Canadian women passing through or staying permanently here in the UK to gather, connect and share. Read about our history or purchase a copy of our book from our website history page.

Have a wonderful summer and see you in the fall!

Best Wishes,

Teresa Howe

Vice- President

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