Burma Star Association - B.C. Chapter
Two Xmas Lunches - December 2005
Our own branch held its yearly Xmas lunch at the Abercorn Inn in Richmond, BC close to Vancouver International Airport - which by-the-way is in Richmond and not in Vancouver! Needless to say it was a glorious day weatherwise. Lots of brilliant sun and breathtaking views of the local mountains in their mantle of virgin snow.
Members, wives, widows and guests totalled just over 60 people. The usual happy hour started the proceedings and it turned out to be really a happy hour. We all mingled and chatted amiably and lovingly. This year we chose not to have entertainment and we found it to be a wise decision, since we made our own by doing the rounds of tables. Another determination we made was that we not bring gifts - after all, at our age who needs them? But we did have a 50/50 draw and the winner of the split of the proceeds was our only female member Emily Davies who served in Burma with the QAIMNSR. Since most people bought more than a single ticket Emily received almost 60 dollars. However, as soon as she received the winnings she proptly turned them back to the Branch. She was reminded that she could donate it to a charity of her choosing and she quickly replied "This branch is my charity". What a lovely gesture on her part, showing true Xmas and Burma Star spirits combined. The money now rest in our welfare fund. Thank you Emily.
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Only 5 members or our branch took the ferry on December 8th to Vancouver Island to participate in the Victoria Branch's Xmas lunch held once more at the Chief and PO's Mess in the Naval Base as Esquimault which is close to Victoria, our capital city.
Volunteers came with their cars to meet us at the ferry terminal for the 45 minute drive to the naval Base. Once more the weather was fabulous adding to the immense view from the huge windows of the ballroom where we were served our Xmas dinner. Their Branch numbers have dwindled significantly this year resulting in a rather poor turnout. Only about 30 people attended which even included the five of us from the mainland. Perhaps with further attrition, another event like this will be difficult to cater for.
However the Burma Spirit was there in abundance along with a good meal and much amiable chatter and cajolery - plus a few drinks to help things along. Dessert happened to be an excellent Xmas pudding ladled with lots of good old navy rum sauce - so I had two helpings of sauce!
We broke up in mid afternoon and volunteers once again gathered us up to return us to our appropriate ferries. Too bad we can no longer think in terms of similar gatherings years down the road. But we still have our memories.
Belated Season's Greetings to Everyone from:
Joe Arblaster, Webmaster
British Columbia Branch of the Burma Star Association