PRESIDENT’S RAMBLING

 

It was a privilege to chair the executive meeting on May 7, and listen to the comments and the constructive ideas produced. Again it occurred to me how lucky we are to have a good group with a variety of talents, working to fulfill our mandate of keeping the Elgin Hiking Trail in the best possible condition, and encouraging the public to use it through the organized hikes around the year.

That in essence was my brief report at the annual meeting.

Two of our long standing executive members, Penny Byway and Brian King were honored with a plaque for their long service to the executive of the Elgin Hiking Trail Club. 

It was a surprise award to each of them at the annual meeting held April 16.

We were pleased on that night to present our club sponsored three colour Port Stanley to Tobermory End -To -End badges to Paul and Jacquie Baldwin.

At our March executive meeting, we decided to present this new badge free to any member of the Elgin Hiking Trail Club in good standing.

Loretta Vaughan and Graham Stead were present and received the badge as well.

Not present, but Cathy Johnstone, John Nolan, and Pat Turow have received their badge already.

Cathy, who is involved in end-to-end hiking groups across the province, will sell them to non members who qualify for the badge.

Congratulations to this group who are privileged to have completed that trek!

We were encapsulated by John St. Pierre's presentation of scenic photos taken on the Bruce Peninsula.

Also thank you to all who donated services and prizes to the silent auction. We raised $991.

We were also boosted with a cheque for $555, presented by Mike Dawdy, representing the executive of the Thames Valley Trail Club, to the Elgin Club to cover the cost of materials for five bridges to be replaced this spring on our trail. The money comes from the Weston Trust Fund.

We appreciate their philosophy that all interconnected hiking trails are as one, and together we are part of the network of Ontario Hiking Trails.

Many of our 130 paid memberships do not even use the Elgin Trail.  Many just walk on their own time, where they can, even in the city. Some are retired from hiking, some have little time because they have young families. But their support is important, and they are big time boosters of the Elgin Hiking Trail Club.

Our hearty thanks to everyone for their support.            Cheers. Brian