Our Social Committee members work hard every year to find a place to accomodate and cater to all of the members who attend our Annual Reunions. Sometimes, when the reminder calls go out, members have voiced their concern that venues like Canad Inn, for example, do not accurately reflect who we are and what we are about.

While some of us would argue that it is the gathering that is important and not the walls within which it takes place, there is some validity to the complaint. There is a certain ambiance that clings to our ancestors’ haunts which, in turn, stimulates our collective memory.

This year we have returned to one of the most popular locations for our Reunion, Lower Fort Garry. One of the problems with this particular venue is that there is only room for 100 attendees. Other, less historic venues allow for a greater turnout should the need arise. Another consideration is catering – many parish halls may be available for rent, but the parish ladies no longer cater meals. The location also needs to be accessible for members with restricted mobility and central to our membership.

If you were on the Social Committee, what venues would you promote?

September is a busy month for the descendants of Selkirk Settlers! The 2012 Bicentennial Committee (not connected to TLSARL, although we have a representative on the committee) will hold its Annual Selkirk Settler Parade on the 12. The keynote speaker will be TLSARL President Bill Matheson, by the way.

Then on the 27th comes the event that we all look forward to: The Lord Selkirk Association of Rupert’s Land Annual Reunion. This year we are also having the annual general meeting in hopes of getting more input from general membership. So,I thought I’d talk a bit about our Annual Reunion/Meeting this week.

I’ve been going to the Annual Reunions for a long time – more than half my life, although I missed a few when my Dad could not be left at home alone anymore. I always looked forward to them as a youngster, for a number of reasons. First, it was a chance for me to come to the big city for a day. Then there was the opportunity to see members of the family I hadn’t seen for a long time. We never knew who would be there until we arrived. I always like eating. And sometimes the talk or entertainment was really interesting (other times it was just interesting).

When I was in University, I went with the Taylors – Mrs. Gladys and her grandson Ken and his then fiancé Monique. As I recall, the event was usually held at a Church on Bannatyne. I remember other venues, too, including some rural community halls, Government House and Lower Fort Garry, where this year’s reunion will be.

One of the talks I remember best was a slideshow/lecture about the steamboats that used to ply the Red. I remember meeting a new relative at one of the Lower Fort Garry reunions. She was the only one other than my mother and I who stood up when John Pritchard’s name was called on the Roll. I remember how nervous I was when I gave my own presentation in 2006.

I know there are lots of others who have been coming year after year, too. So, I’m opening the forum! What reunions were your favourites, and why?