Ladies Auxiliary Celebrates 65th

Friday, June 08, 2012

Auxiliary president Janice Drader-Jamieson and Blain Calkins MP. For Wetaskiwin let loose and enjoy the fun at the Ladies High Tea in Wetaskiwin last Saturday.

Saturday, May 26th marked the 65th Anniversary of the Ladies Auxiliary of Wetaskiwin. To celebrate, approximately 75 members of the ladies’ group gathered together to enjoy food and festivities. Founding member, Mrs. McMurdo was in attendance to perform the ceremonial cutting of the cake commemorating the 65th Anniversary of the organization she helped to form back in 1947. Also in attendance was Blaine Calkins, MP for Wetaskwin, who spent the afternoon enjoying the English-style refreshments and visiting with the Auxiliary members.

The afternoon kicked off with musical entertainment from the 1930’s and 40’s performed by Carmen Bruce and accompanied by Warren Fairhurst on the Ukulele. They sang songs such as ‘What a Wonderful World’ in a crooning, folk-music style that set just the right mood for the ladies (and gentlemen) enjoying the day together. For many in attendance, the afternoon was a trip down memory lane as they sipped their tea and remembered those days and loved ones long since passed.

Two such ladies, Rosella Plaquin and Dorothy Gyte, mother and daughter Auxiliary members, sat together and spoke of their late father and husband Joseph Gyte who drove an ambulance during WWII and served on the front lines in RCASC (the Royal Canadian Army Service Corps). They pointed out that their entire extended family are legion members, including all spouses and children. The two ladies are proud to be a part of the Wetaskiwin Ladies Auxiliary. Plaquin herself, daughter to Joseph Gyte, has been a member of the Ladies Auxilliary for 42 years. Clearly, the afternoon was special for the mother and daughter duo who hold their memories and their past father close to their heart.

The afternoon was also made special by a historic slideshow played while the ladies enjoyed the traditional English refreshments. The old pictures brought back memories of those precious days, long since passed.

The ‘high tea’ theme was chosen to commemorate Queen Elizabeth’s Diamond Jubilee. The ladies enjoyed Earl Grey tea, biscuits with real cream and jam, and many other tasty English-style desserts as well. They were served their tasty treats by Wetaskiwin Air Cadets Justin Reid and Melissa Weers, who showed impeccable manners as they served the ladies their tea and goodies.

The afternoon was brought to a close with the closing ceremonies as all sang ‘God Save the Queen’ and the bagpipes were played by Duncan Brown. The mood was a happy one as many smiled and laughed as the afternoon came to an end. The 65th Anniversary celebration of the Ladies Auxiliary of Wetaskiwin was certainly a success, and all who contributed to it can be applauded for their efforts. All in attendance left with smiles on their faces and hearts full of memories.

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