BADA Antiques and Fine Art Fair – Duke of York Square

March 25 found eight members learning about antiques at the annual BADA Fair in a bespoke marquis at the Duke of York Square.

We “visited” four BADA members at their stalls and heard the story of some of their collectibles. At Trinity House Paintings, we were shown a painting by John Singer Sargent that he painted on the back of a painting by his pupil to show his perspective of the model – quite different from his student’s rendition. We visited with Geoffery Breeze who shared his passion for antique walking sticks – be they ivory, ebony, snake, or hiding a sword, a flask or a pipe.

At Sylvia Powell Decorative Arts, Marc told us the history of pottery in England , with collectibles by William De Morgan, Royal Doulton and Jean Cocteau. I was amazed to find out that even Picasso dabbled in ceramics by commissioning them from his own designs. Our last expert was Jeanette Hayhurst who shared the history of a piece of glass tableware that would hold confections made in the houses of the wealthy. These talks were an excellent introduction to the fair and after a delicious lunch at the Grill, we were free to wander through the exhibition. I saw so many lovely items, but luckily for my husband, I had left my charge card at home. This was a lovely way to spend a Friday afternoon and I am sure many of us look forward to the Fair in 2011.

Lunchbox Theatre – A Bold Stroke for a Husband

On March 11, 3 members took in the 45 minute play at by the Little Bear Theatre Company at Bridewell Theatre in Fleet Street. It was a fast-paced, Georgian farce, full of false identities and thwarted lovers and revenge. We enjoyed the stripped-down set and how clever the production was at having one actor play 2 or 3 parts. One exceptional actor even played 2 very different characters at one time with the use of a jacket on one shoulder. I don’t know how he was able to change so quickly between characters and remember the lines and movements for each. It was definitely a great performance and we had quite a few laughs. And thanks to Denise H. for introducing me to Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese Pub on Fleet Street – a wonderful old pub with so much character and literary history. A place to add to my tourist trail for visiting friends and relatives.

Submitted by Lynda Opocensky

The Book of the Dead – Journey through the Afterlife – British Museum

On January 28, eleven members were immersed in Ancient Egyptian rituals and spells as the curator described the Book of the Dead that was placed in the coffins of wealthy Egyptians to help them navigate the underworld to reach the place of judgment. The presentation gave us a great understanding of the symbols and drawings we saw later in a tour of the exhibit. We especially enjoyed the Papyrus of Anhai with it’s vivid colours unchanged from 1280 BC. And the woman whose afterlife was depicted in the 37 foot Greenfield Papyrus, (the world’s longest Book of the Dead) must have expected to spend a long time finding her way through the underworld. The artifacts associated with burial in Ancient Egypt – painted coffins, mummy masks, jewelry and statues made us appreciate the importance that the Egyptians placed on life after death and the journey they took to get there.

Submitted by Lynda Opocensky

MLT Luncheon with Moya Greene

The Maple Leaf Trust, the charity administered by the Canadian Women's Club, was thrilled to feature Moya Greene as speaker at its inaugural lunch event.

We had a great day on February 10th at the Athenaeum Club. Moya is CEO of the Royal Mail. She is a wonderful speaker, and gave a lively and very entertaining talk on the trials and tribulations of this great British Institution, the Royal Mail. She also spoke to the young working female professionals in the audience about her life doing the juggling act as a working mother. This Inaugural MLT Luncheon was a success in all respects. I hope you enjoy the photos and that you'll join us for our next luncheon.

L: Patty Bell, President Canadian Women's Club and Chair of the Maple Leaf Trust

R: Moya Greene, CEO of the Royal Mail

January Hospitality

It was good to see so many happy faces at the January Hospitality. Marie-France Boutet had the happiest I think! We all congratulate her on the most wonderful news of her pregnancy and wish her all the very best and continued good health. She is glowing!

We also enjoyed the happy story of Gracie Findley and her days as Anne of Green Gables. She led us on her journey as a very young star in the role as Ann Shirley in the musical for many happy years. We enjoyed the tales of the birth of the musical Ann of Green Gables and how it came to be such a successful Canadian musical both in Canada and on tour round the world.

There was good discussion about the Bulletin at the Hospitality with most people participating and giving thoughtful comments. The main theme was communication by what ever means needs to be consistent and frequent and well coordinated. We have decided to forgo the Bulletin for this session. We will reassess at the AGM if ENEWS is sufficient for the majority of CWC members.

Enjoy your ENEWS and make notes of the events that strike your fancy. And don’t forget to sign up with the Leader for the event.

Submitted by Patty

Cultural Evening at Deputy High Commissioner's Residence

The Deputy High Commissioner Claude Boucher and his wife Isabelle Mignault were the very gracious hosts for an elegant Cultural evening Dec.6th. They opened their lovely home to the Maple Leaf Trust for this fund raising event. Attendees were given a very interesting and thoughtful speech by the Quebec Deputy Minister of Culture, Status of Women and Communication Sylvie Barcelo. Her topic was on Promoting Culture in a Global Environment: the Quebec Experience. We were also entertained by musician Alexander Mac Sween, a Canadian composer from Montreal who stretched our musical appreciation with a very experimental composition on the piano with an instantaneous computer play back.

The evening was very well atttended and enjoyed by all. The Maple Leaf Trust was truly grateful for the funds raised that evening and thank Mr. Boucher and his wife Isabelle for organising such a splendid evening.

Submitted by Patty Bell

Christmas Carol Service

They say that Christmas is a time of miracles. Well, yes, that could be so but it takes a lot of detailed organising and forward planning to ensure that we are in the right place at the right time to capture that miracle. The 2010 Christmas Carol Service was a marvel and there was a great coming together of Canadian and British traditions at the Crown Court Church of Scotland on December 6th. The hiccough came at the eleventh hour when the fabulous mezzo-soprano Leslie Davies was caught in Geneva airport by snowy winter conditions and could not be with us. Thanks to the internet, cell phones and Leslie's determination to help the Canadian community, miraculously Leslie found the outstanding singing talent of Vancouver born tenor, John Bacon. Two professionals saved the day. John opened the Service with our own Huron Carol and the service all ran smoothly from there on in. And, by the way, Leslie did arrive safely back in London a few days later. Watch their websites for future concerts and maybe we'll have another Christmas miracle next year at our annual Christmas Carol Service.



Many people complimented the sumptuous refreshment tables laid out for all after the service. These home made Canadian treats were the result of many people's baking talent and clever organising. Monique Ménard, Susan McKale, Lorna Brown and the others have to be commended.

Submitted by Lorna Brown