Beaconsfield Newcomers Club Celebrates its 50th Anniversary
Written by
Kim Harrison Bridgett
Spring 2021
The first official meeting of what was originally called “The Welcome Wagon Beaconsfield Newcomers Club” took place at Centennial Hall in January 1971. Over the past 50 years the club’s goal has remained the same: to help women who are new to the area make friends and settle into the community. Moving, especially when it’s to a new country or culture, can be difficult; the Beaconsfield Newcomers Club (BNC) has created a space for women from all cultures, who speak many different languages, to feel a sense of belonging. As a member of the BNC, women can learn new skills, share their frustrations or joys, and discover new experiences together. The current President, Mirian Nishikawa, is working with members to celebrate this important milestone with numerous special activities, including the creation of a new logo and the release of a cookbook that showcases delicious global recipes from current and former members.
“Joining the BNC gave me the opportunity to meet new local people with shared interests that I wouldn't have gotten to know otherwise. It's nice to have friends who are close geographically, and the BNC gives you the chance to meet a whole lot of them, all at once. It's a wonderfully inclusive group.” Geneviève Myhal, member since 2019
The secret blend of ingredients that serve up BNC’s enduring impact are simple: community and connection above all else. The club is a social group, with the focus firmly on making friends. The structure of the club also reflects the importance of service and volunteering – each year a new President and Executive Team are elected to oversee the monthly meetings and ensure the smooth running of other activities and events. Members are encouraged to share their gifts and skills with others, as member Padma Ghoshal, originally from Bengaluru, India and a member since 2016, explains: “[participating] makes you feel better because you’re offering something, be it an idea or an Indian dish, you get to share it and you’re appreciated for it, and that’s nice.”
In addition to this team, members can step into the role of Convenor for one or more of the sub-groups that reflect their interests and evolving needs. Sub-groups range from a weekly, rain or shine, Walking Group to monthly or less frequent gatherings such as the Cooking Group, Book Group, Craft Club, Coffee Group, Explore Montreal Group & many more. The values of connection and community are also seen in the way new members are instantly included and made to feel welcome:
“What struck me most about the BNC is that, when a new person joins, the current members who are all already good friends, are automatically friendly – it doesn’t take you a long time to get to know them, there’s a grandfathering that creates inclusion.” Padma Ghoshal
Members deepen their friendships during shared activities and experiences as well as exploring areas of life in Quebec that they may have otherwise missed. They try tried their hand at golf, learn how to make jewelry, ride a horse, snowshoe local trails, cook Brazilian food together, and much more.
“One night we played Quelf and had to do super silly challenges assigned to us in the game; I think all of us laughed so hard our stomachs hurt, and that's the kind of fun that sticks with you and builds bonds. We’ve had many great evenings – I really look forward to sharing more good times like these with my BNC friends.” Geneviève Myhal
Above all, members are there for one another, going out of their way to provide support and assistance when most needed. When one member injured her shoulder and couldn’t drive, for example, others made sure she always had a ride, and when another had surgery, her BNC friends made sure she got safely back from the hospital and had enough food in her fridge to keep her nourished while she recovered. Most recently, two members found themselves stranded in Morocco during the first wave of Covid-19 lockdowns. Thankfully, the BNC stepped in and worked tirelessly, including contacting their local MP, to ensure they arrived home safely.
“We support and help those members going through challenging times, either due to moving or the regular hurdles of life. But mostly, I have enjoyed laughing, sharing and simply enjoying each other’s company.” Cindy Gilmore, member since 2005
The connections the BNC inspires also spread out into the local community. At the monthly meeting, usually held at Centennial Hall in Beaconsfield, the club welcomes guest speakers from the West Island and the greater Montreal area. Topics have ranged from Zumba to yoga, essential oils to holistic nutrition, journaling to picture framing. Speakers have a wonderful opportunity to present their area of interest or business to members, and members in return learn a depth and breadth of new information.
During these difficult lockdown times, the BNC is still fully present for its members. As Cindy Gilmore says: “The BNC is a very adaptable group, open to doing things differently. This is serving us well in the current times where we are forced to meet and remain connected in different ways.” Adaptability and an indefatigable spirit of friendship are two of the many positive characteristics that have helped the Beaconsfield Newcomers Club thrive over the past 50 years, providing support, comfort and innumerable fun experiences to so many newcomers to the West Island.
“It's not always easy to meet new people, and it takes a bit of time and effort, but this is a lovely and inclusive group of ladies who will gladly welcome you with open arms. It's a great way to make new friends in the West Island.” Geneviève Myhal
“The BNC is a huge part of my life. Since joining, I’ve spent 1-2 hours every week or more doing things with the BNC ladies. If I didn’t have that, there would be a big hole in my life now.” Padma Ghoshal
Revitalization of the logo
We are proud to announce the revitalization of the club`s logo. Karen Halliday, BNC member, has perfectly captured the essence of the club and stylized it. The various sizes and style of the leaves of the tree Karen depicted are representative of the diversity of the members, as well as diverse selection of groups and activities within the club itself. It also represents the connections, support and friendship. We thank Karen for designing such a beautiful and meaningful logo, which certainly will last us another 50 years.
BNC 50th Anniversary Cookbook
This cookbook is a collection of recipes from BNC members.
The idea of a cookbook arose from the sharing of recipes within the Cooking Group, in subgroup gatherings, and on Facebook during the pandemic.
Nearly all of our gatherings have included food as a central focus and highlight. It has become obvious that we have a wealth of skilled and passionate "foodies" in our club!
The table of contents is wide and reflects the diversity of cultures within the BNC. We have recipes ranging from easy-to-make meals using everyday ingredients to more sophisticated dishes for a special dinner. Best of all, every recipe is "tried and true" favorite of our members.
The idea of a cookbook arose from the sharing of recipes within the Cooking Group, in subgroup gatherings, and on Facebook during the pandemic.
Nearly all of our gatherings have included food as a central focus and highlight. It has become obvious that we have a wealth of skilled and passionate "foodies" in our club!
The table of contents is wide and reflects the diversity of cultures within the BNC. We have recipes ranging from easy-to-make meals using everyday ingredients to more sophisticated dishes for a special dinner. Best of all, every recipe is "tried and true" favorite of our members.
"A friend is someone who knows the song in your heart and can sing it back to you when you have forgotten the words."
