Marine Heritage Society and Propeller Club hold their Annual General Meeting and Dinner

 
As usual the Walker House was packed to capacity and more for the Annual General Meeting of the Propeller Club and the Marine Heritage  Society.  There was not a single open chair for the great dinner of prime rib.

Town dignitaries were on hand too including Mayor Smith, Ron Brown, Lori Sweiger, Mike Myatt, Thead  Seaman, Doug Freiburger, Diane Huber and Jane Jagalewski and Cheryl Beamish Tourism Director.

One of the main highlights of the meeting was the impressive financial record of the very active group.  Treasurer Dona Savoy's report was met with awe by the guests.  

To date the Marine Heritage Society has raised via donations, tours, fundraising and hard work $663,000.  They have a total of $88,000 cash on hand.  $50,000 is invested with the Community Development Fund and $38,000 is with the Town as custodian and auditor of the Marine Heritage Society.  The rest has been put to good work in the community and in the restoration.

This year many records were set as a total of 11,040 tourists have been taken to the Island since 2001,

The Tour Base Gift Shop has grossed $67,000.  The Propeller Club also has a balance of $3185.  The Club as one of its projects manages and maintains Pioneer Park in Southampton, by far the most beautiful of the Town's Parks.

Highlights of the year were outlined by Gord Webb President of the Propeller Club and past Chair of the Marine Heritage Society.

  • The McNab Point Range Light was restored.
  • The Rear Range Light was repaired and painted
  • The Tall Ship was brought to Southampton and greeted by over 6,000 people

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13/01/2009 04:23 PM

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  • New docks built from the old frames and new forged metal top structure.  They were successfully installed on Chantry Island.
  • A tremendous work crew headed by Bob Trelford built a 15 foot tall Range Light and installed it at Vaughn Mills Mall to remain there for 12 years promoting tourism for Bruce County.  This projected netted the Society over $11,000.
  • The wonderful outing and meal at the former Water Rescue Building was attended by a huge crowd,  The historic building now is a cottage on Beach Street.
  • The Society and Club supported the very successful International Plowing Match with many volunteers.
  • The Chambettes again donated  $1000 to the Society and worked with the group.
  • A new ceiling and lighting was installed in the Boat House by Rick Schumacher's team.
  • The Propeller Club and Marine Heritage Society won the best float in both the 150th Parade and last years Christmas Parade.

Breaking news was reported by Marine Heritage Chair Larry LePage,  Larry reported on the current work being done on the Island by a team headed by 'Lighthouse' Bill Parton. (Cousin of Dolly)  Larry showed the beautiful detail of the interior  and exterior of the Lighthouse and what is being done.

Larry  spoke with appreciation on the fantastic support given by the Federal Government and Fisheries and Oceans.  He lauded the cooperation that has taken place between the Marine Heritage Society and the Town.

On a note of appreciation Donna Savoy longtime Marine Heritage Society Board Member is moving back to New Brunswick and was given a lifetime Propeller Club Membership.

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