O’Canada…glorious and free.  A large turnout of 55 to 60 members gathered at VBCC to celebrate Canada Day, and a glorious day it was, red against green, blue sky and sunshine. The clubhouse was dressed in holiday theme, and a table set up to sell the visors and caps donated to the club by international bowler/club member Bobbi-Jean Charlton, proceeds to go towards new building signage.

Croquet players filled the upper green and bowlers spread out on seven rinks on the lower green to compete in a 10-end game of Australian Pairs.  A few members and guests watched from the sidelines. Click on photos to enlarge/slideshow.

The most exciting match of the day was a nail-biter between teams skipped by top competitors Bobbi-Jean (with Susan Schiphorst) and Mitch O’Brien (with Caroline Mitchell), final score 8-7.

Before lining up for burgers and delving into the salads and baked beans inside the clubhouse, everyone gathered for a group photo. Member Bill Huot led a hearty rendition of O’Canada.

Members owe a  huge thanks, as always, to Social and Kitchen Hospitality TL Kathy Moi-Barker and the hard working KH team—Caroline, Libby, Rose, Marni, MaryLynne, Heather and  Annette—and to President  Anita McCaw, who organized the activities and baked the beans. Also thanks to Sandy Hodel who wears many hats—treasurer, rentals and just about anything that needs to be done, including BBQing–and member John Orton who stepped in at the last minute to flip burgers so we could all sit back and enjoy!

A dessert of strawberries on vanilla ice-cream reflected the day’s colours, a perfect topping to a perfect day.