New Members’ Welcome Reception

On Friday October 24th, some 35 guests attended the lovely Kensington home of Anne and Bob Van Gieson to enjoy the New Members’ Welcome Reception. This annual evening event for new members, their partners and guests provided a relaxed opportunity to meet, mingle and savour conversation over wine and finger food. The executive team‘s participation in Anne Van Gieson’s cooking classes certainly paid off as tempting appetizers looked and tasted as if catered.

Amongst the many guests, we were delighted to have Donna Thomson, our Honorary President and wife of Jim Wright, the High Commissioner, who spontaneously spoke about the strength of the club and President Margaret Wickware’s dedication.

Margaret formally welcomed new members, introduced the executive team, described our charities and highlighted upcoming events. A Waterford crystal maple leaf dish and a stunning pink orchid were presented to hostess Anne for her generosity in organizing the special evening. Chris Kohut, Maple Leaf Trustee and CCSF representative Jill Pollock also socialized with members.
Thanks also to Phyllis Nickerson, Office Manager, for all of her preparation and for offering a warm and friendly welcome upon arrival.

We hope that all our new members sample the many activities and events on offer at the CWC and most importantly, enjoy their London experience.

October's Hospitality Morning

The Wallace Collection is a gem of a museum in London housing a superb collection of art from all periods and many countries, especially France. At our October Hospitality Morning this morning, CWC members were given a special ‘tour’ of the collection by artist and art historian Alex Hirtzel, shown on the left of the photo with Patty Bell, CWC Vice-President.



Alex is an artist and art historian, and as well as being involved with the Kettle’s Yard Gallery in Cambridge, she spends one day a week at the Wallace Collection in London. She’s a wonderfully entertaining presenter and shared some of her ‘inside’ knowledge with us through stories of scandal, romance and wealth – giving us a taste of how the collection came together from the mid-1700s through to the 1880s.

As well as learning about the history of Hertford House, we enjoyed seeing a slideshow of just a sample of the collection. In paintings as diverse as The Laughing Cavalier (by Frans Hals) and Madame de Pompadour (by Francois Boucher), Alex explained why they were collected, and talked about the significance of the paintings and the artists themselves. Many of us now have a much greater appreciation of why (for example) Madame de Pompadour hung two of Boucher’s paintings featuring Apollo on either side of the bed she shared with Louis XV!

If you haven’t yet visited the Wallace Collection, then hopefully you’ll now feel inspired to do so.

And moving from 18th and 19th century art in France, to the fascinating and glorious city of Barcelona, at November’s Hospitality Morning at Quebec House, Mireia Fontbernat will take us on a trip through the city’s history, its architecture and people. Please do check the CWC's website for details to join us on the 11th!

Posted by Barbara Richards

Mary LeMessurier, CWC Honorary Life Member

Mary LeMessurier (left), Margaret Wickware (right)
During my recent visit to Edmonton, Canada, I had the pleasure of meeting another of our honorary life members, Mary J. LeMessurier. Mary stopped by to purchase a copy of the CWC History Book and to hear about the club's recent celebratory events. At the same time, I got a chance to learn a little more about this great lady.

Raised in Nova Scotia, Mary was Alberta's Minister of Culture from 1979 to 1986. Following her appointment as Agent General for Alberta, Mary and her husband relocated to the UK in 1986.

During her six years in London, Mary complemented her governmental responsibilities with CWC related activities. She joined with the CWC President and others at that time in the task of establishing the Canadian Centennial Scholarship Fund as a Registered Charitable Trust with direct ties to the Canadian Women's Club. In recognition of her tireless work on behalf of the CCSF and and the CWC, Mary was made an Honorary Life Member. As well, in her honor, each year a scholarship is given to a deserving student studying history.

Since returning to Alberta, Mary has received the Order of Canada (1998) for her services to public life. Now, enjoying retirement, Mary is a an avid golfer. Mary hopes to return to London to celebrate her 80th birthday in June, 2009 and we hope that we will be able to welcome her to a CWC event at that time.

Posted by Margaret Wickware, President, CWC