Report on Previous Activities

2000

From January 2001 Newsletter.

Wren Christmas Party

This event was a great success. Betty Butler and her helpers did a fine job. Everything ran exceptionally smoothly right from the time we entered the door, to the the end of the party. We had a number of welcome guests, among them were: Father David Mulholland, our Chaplin; Commander Hugh McEwan, CO of HMCS York; Bob Wilson and his wife, Kathyrn, bill O'Hara and three members from the 'Meet the Navy" show.
We have been told that Joan Balch is to be credited with introducing the ingenious "Let's get acquainted' type of game we played. Georgie Williams provided a superb turkey dinner, and Betty MC'd the proceedings with great aplomb. After the meal we sang Christmas songs to Bill O'Hara's piano accompaniment. The bartering of presents received in the 'Secret Santa' gift exchange was an interesting variation that many had not previously experienced. photos

Christmas Lunch at The Mission to Seafarers

There were about a dozen Wrens at the Christmas Pub Lunch. As always the food was excellent and the company terrific. We will miss the comfortable atmosphere and cameraderie there, when the lunches cease for the winter months, but it would be difficult to cater for the unpredictable attendance that could result from uncertain weather ahead, besides there are some very dedicated volunteers who might possibly welcome a well deserved rest!

NOAC Christmas Hoist

This took place on a very snowy night (we don't normally ecpect so much snow before Christmas). Those who were willing to brave the elements were well rewarded. The five or six Wrens who attended report having had a very good time.

Naval Club Dinner

There were 68 members attending this celebration, a few of whom were Wrens. Again Georgie Williams catered a very tasty turkey dinner, (since this was the umpteenth time this season, she must be well tired of the sight of turkey!)

Christmas Eve Service at The Mission

Father David Mulholland officiated at an Anglican Christmas Eve Service at the Mission to Seafarers. Afterwards the traditional Christmas Eve Tourtiere was served, and our friend Liz, who puts in a regular attendance at the Pub Lunches, played the piano for Christmas Carols.

From December 2000 (and previous) newsletter(s)

Annual Dinner

This year's event was in fact a luncheon held at the Old Mill Restaurant. The food was excellent, so was the company. Bill O'Hara was there, and led us at the piano in a most enjoyable singsong. Tickets were drawn from those bought previously to support the fund for enjoyable singsong. The lucky winners were as follows:
Wilma Black won the needlework picture, donated by Al Lawrence; the Stained Glass Dragonfly that was won by Mary Kingwall, was donated by Carl Amatuzio, and Ed Pecareski's donation of a Fisherman Sweater was won by Shirley Simpson, (her ticket was drawn by her sister, Ada McBryde!).

Service at St. Hilda's Retirement Home

On November 12th thirteen Wrens attended the Anglican service at St. Hilda's. Pat thornton and Janet Watt placed a wreath on behalf of the Association. Julie Hallett and Betty Hart carried the colours. Afterwards we were invited to lunch at St. Hilda's retirement home dining room.

Parade at Toronto City Hall

This is Toronto's official November 11th occasion. Eighteen Wrens marched with the Naval Club colour party, and five or six others were also present. At the march past, after the 11 o'clock service, Mayor Mel Lastman took the salute. Participants were later treated to a wonderful lunch at the nearby Acadian Court.

Annual Service at the Naval Club

At 1pm on November 11th, the Naval Club service was held on the Upper Deck. Fifteen or more Wrens were present. Art Eggleton spoke extremely well. This is always a very moving occasion. The Wrens provided sandwiches for the reception that followed.

The Sailors' Memorial, Burlington

There were 110 men and women of the Naval Reserve, HMCS York marching with the Veterans at the November 11 Service (0930). The York Band headed the parade with Lcdr. Donna Murakami leading the ship's company. The wife of one of our Burl-Oak Naval Veteran friends laid a wreath on behalf of the Wren Association of Toronto.

Jewish War Veterans' Parade and Synagogue Service

This event took place on November 5th this year, it was the third time that we had been invited to participate. The synagogue is located in the Sheppard and Bathurst area. Eight Wrens were among the marchers. The band from HMCS York led the parade and the reviewing officer was the Hon. Lincoln Alexander.

Service at the Mission to Seafarer's

Also taking place on November 5th, there were four or five Wrens attending this service, which was taken by the Rev. Father Mulholland. Larry Barwich (XCO York) and Hugh McEwan (CO York) laid a wreath.

HMCS Toronto Day's Sail July 3rd.

When HMCS TORONTO was visiting its namesake city, in early July, she was regularly available to the public for tours. The Wrens were fortunate however in having several other opportunities to take advantage of her crew's hospitality. On of these occasions was on July 3rd when we were privileged to join a group invited to 'go to sea' for the day. ... more ...

Wren Tea
We had beautiful weather of the Wrens Spring Tea this year. All the stalls were well patronized, and many fine bargains were available everywhere. Place at the tea tables were seldom unoccupied, and some people decided to revisit their favourite locations whilst waiting for seats. June Redford wishes to thank all those who were such a great help to her in the galley. They and the stallholders worked very hard, both before and after the event. It was the first time that Betty Butler had had responsibility for organizing the occasion, and she would like to thank everyone for their support.

Hosting the R.C.N.A. Executive Committee Meeting.
The Wren Association of Toronto hosted the R.C.N.A. Executive committee meeting here in Toronto on the last weekend in April. Everyone appeared to enjoy the weekend.
The programme began with a reception at the Town Inn on the Friday evening. On Saturday the committee met at the hotel. Meanwhile Lil Roe and Margaret Haliburton escorted the visiting wives to lunch at the Royal Ontario Museum, and then on to tour the Bata Shoe Museum. They walked back to the hotel along Bloor Street, visiting shops en route. It was our impression that the husbands were pleased that there was not much time for shopping ;-)
On the Saturday evening the group attended the R.M.A. Pub Night at the Naval Club. They all had a good time.

HMCS Athabaskan Memorial Service
On Sunday, April 30th a service was held aboard HMCS Haida marking the 56th anniversary of the sinking of the HMCS Athabaskan. The ceremony was very impressive.
Friends of the Haida sponsored the tribute, and many members of the Naval community were in attendance, including several seamen who had served on the same class ships, and a number of our Toronto Wrens. Most of the survivors still living were unable to be present, as they were in Holland for the filming of a documentary on their experiences. However a veteran who had previously served on the Athabaskan was available to give a short address.
We were also fortunate to meet Amanda Moore, clad in the Wren uniform loaned to the Museum of Applied Military History by Joan Balch. Amanda wears the uniform, when attending such functions, as the representative of Wartime Wrens. She looked very smart, and was even wearing an authentic looking hairstyle!

The Battle of The Atlantic Parade
Toronto
Again we had good weather on the Sunday of our annual Battle of the Atlantic Parade. About a dozen Wrens attended. Those, who were able, marched proudly from HMCS York to HMCS Haida, led by Janet Watt and with Doris Spencer carrying our Association's flag. Others joined the group for the service and the march past the reviewing stand. Our president, Pat Thornton, read one of the lessons and was among the dignitaries taking the salute.
Burlington
At the ceremony in Burlington Dulcie Eddowes laid a new wreath at the Naval Memorial Statue on our behalf (to replace the old one). The parade was routed to the breakwater, where roses were dropped into the lake and Dulcie said a prayer.

RCNA Millenium Reunion in Digby
Approximately 1200 members of the RCNA and their spouses attended this event. Our Toronto Wrens made up about thirty of that number and we all had a very good time. It is amazing what the South-Shore Naval Association were able to achieve in a location that was 100 km from their club, with only one hotel and no convention facilities. Of course, Digby was chosen for being close to Cornwallis.
More to follow.

HMCS York Presentation of Wren Association of Toronto award to outstanding female Sea Cadet.

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Excerpts from The Jenny Wren Times, with permission from the Wren Association of Toronto