January 29 at the Oak Bay Beach Hotel

 Reported by Lynne Murray

As it was the fifth Tuesday of the month, the meeting was held in the David Foster Theatre at the beautiful Oak Bay Beach Hotel. Brian Lamb was the cashier and Ron Beyer the seller of the 50/50 tickets. Members and guests bought more than the usual 3 for $2.00 tickets as we were down to one marble, so today there was definitely going to be a big winner. Tom Lidkea led us in a rousing version of O Canada. Eugen Bannerman, who has just returned from a leave of absence, recited the invocation. The meeting, being a social event rather than a full meeting, started with announcements. A Member at each table introduced the visitors. Rotarians and guests joining  us today were:

• Jarrod Clarkson from Edmonton Strathcona, 
• Geoff and Leanne Stokes from the Saanich Club 
• Peter Norman from the Rotary Club of Victoria. 
• Jean Lawrie accompanied Peter, 
• Kathleen Schelle was with husband, Bob 
• Tara Douglas was a guest of Joan Peggs
• Michelle LeSage from the OBBH was with Lori McLeod
• Carla Ode was a guest of Lynne. 

Jim Force reminded us that on Thursday, January 31st, the Club in the Pub will be held at the Penny Farthing at 5:00 pm.

President Joan told us of the passing of our former Member, Cedric Marsh. She then read a short story about him written by David Sills. For more information on Cedric, please read David's account written when Cedric joined the club here. 

Batya had information about the Tuscan Dinner on April 27th. Rod Sim is attempting to have the businesses on Oak Bay Avenue donate prizes for the auctions.

Neil Rawnsley then proceeded to draw the 50/50 winning ticket for $180.00. The lucky winner was Peter Norman, one of the visiting Rotarians. He proceeded to donate $50.00 of his winnings back to our Club Foundation. He told us in all his years at his Victoria Club he has never won their 50/50!

Once all the business had been taken care of we took to the buffet, one table at a time. We were superbly treated to 2 salads, roasted potatoes, mixed veggies, quinoa crusted chicken, and a robust tomato soup. Dessert was a variety of cakes and squares.

The meeting adjourned precisely at 1:30.

NOTE: Please keep in mind that in the near future we will be voting on whether or not we will return to the OBBH to hold our weekly meetings.