2009 Hosting Group Study Exchange
We were honoured to tag along with the Group Study Exchange visitors from the UK on May 5th and 6th, 2009. Led by Rotarian Greg Wilkinson District 1090, Sally Wooldridge, Eleanor Crackwell, Alison Munro and Emily Housego took in a hectic Richmond schedule.
Credit to President Elect Chris Browne and Accent Inn for accommodations and schedule arrangements. Thanks also to our good friend Claudette Andrude for her hospitality driving team members. Assistant Governor Wally Phillips accompanied to represent the Richmond Clubs and DG Elect Gord Dalglish dropped by for awhile also.
Whilst Greg and Emily visited RCMP headquarters, Sally, Eleanor and Alison visited Rotarian Barb Duggan at Kwantlen University Polytechnic. Everyone met up again at the Olympic Oval for an enjoyable walk around and tour. After lunch at the Best Western Richmond Inn, the group went to City Hall and Council Chambers for a few minutes with Mayor Malcolm Brodie and several members of City Staff. There they were updated on an overview of City planning, economic development and the film business.
The next stop was Rotary Hospice House, where Executive Director and Rotarian Margaret Evans showed the group her facility and answered questions.
For dinner, Rotarian Brian Cole, President of Richmond Sunrise Club graciously hosted the groups at his home.
The next morning group members visited individual vocational interests with RCMP, City Hall and a Seniors Facility. Then Chris took everyone to the Jewish Museum and Archives of British Columbia to visit archivist Janine Johnston. We all shared some Rotary spirit as visitors DG Bob, ADG Wally, and members from the Richmond Sunset, Richmond Sunrise and Vancouver Quadra joined us at lunch to watch the GSE presentation.
After lunch, Pres. Albert and AG Wally took the team to tour Steveston and the Buddhist Temple.