The Annual Convention was held June 2- 4 at Clare Hall, Western University, convened by the Board of Directors, with a great deal of assistance from London-Middlesex Branch members.
Tuesday was check in day for delegates, a Wellness Fair and Silent Auction to peruse continued until Wednesday evening, (each Branch was asked to contribute two items as a fund-raiser for the Convention), an evening banquet with entertainment which included our very own town crier played by Sandy O’Brien in a costume created by Sharon Lunau; and karaoke after the meal.
On Wednesday morning, the AGM delegates began considering and voting on the motions previously announced in “Connections”. The AGM business continued on Thursday morning.
On Wednesday afternoon, attendees had the choice of going on a regional tour to Port Stanley, Heeman’s Nursery Pinecroft or London Charm. For those preferring a staycation there was a choice of three talks or Guided Walking/Hiking around the extensive Western grounds. Fortunately, the weather was good and not too hot in early June.
In the evening, there was a banquet preceded by greetings from the Dean of Education and a surprise parade of women dressed in early 20th century costumes demonstrating, “Votes for Women”, this group was led by our member Jean Hewitt. All meals at this Convention were served buffet style and the Wednesday Awards Night banquet was no exception.
Our Branch choir gave an exceptional performance of the songs they performed for our own May banquet, and the choir members were individually thanked for their performance by Provincial President, Linda Sargeant.
Our branch won the two provincial Awards we were hoping to win, and both came with a financial reward for the Branch – first the Barbara Bain Award for membership recruitment; Linda Freeman assisted her mother Barbara Bain in announcing the branches in the 3 categories who won this award and Lynda Faulkner, our treasurer received our award; – second our Branch won the Feather in Your Hat Award, also received by Lynda Faulkner with Linda Freeman at her side.
The pictures attached were taken by both Michele Specht and Anita Renders.
They are Sandy O’Brien, Lynda and Linda for Feather in Your hat Award, Linda and Barbara for the Barbara Bain Award, a display of the AGM papers, the table decor made by our own crafters, and some of our Branch members singing karaoke – Dianne Heatherington, Maureen Tipping, Michele Specht and Helen Bobyk.
By:- Janice Thielenhaus
Email:- jthielenhaus@hotmail.com
