Page 8 - Jan-Feb 2020

“I’VE NEVER SEEN THAT BEFORE” - DONATIONS IMPROVE OUR CLUB EXPERIENCE
Heritage Committee
Have you noticed the markedly improved appearance of our Clubhouses in the last few years? Many of your fellow Members, along with visitors to the Clubhouses, and including those with prior acquaintance of our homes and those without, have remarked on the splendid array of art and artefacts now on display. Those who say, “I don’t remember that...” are often right, for among the many things that have emerged from our storage rooms, usually repaired and refurbished, are little and large treasures that people – Members, former Members and descendants of Members – have decided would enjoy a better home at RCYC.
There is no easy way to generalize about our inflow of acquisitions. They may be from well-known Members or those who prefer to make their donation – such as the coming replacement for the Island trophy case – anonymously. They may be sailing-related – a burgee that flew aboard a Canada’s Cup competitor (but mysteriously fell into the hands of an RCYC sailor), or they may be reminders of the Club’s social life – a sterling tea service that recalls a time when elaborately hatted-and-gowned ladies needed respite from their labours in the Rose Garden. Several Commodores have chosen this year to honour the tradition of giving a half- model of their yachts for display in the Commodores’ Room. We shall have many more pictures to adorn our walls; Members astute with their cameras have offered their own work representing events on both the racing and social sides.
We’ve even acquired some reproductions of artwork that will be continued to be held by the donor. This perhaps deserves explanation; Members have artwork that they want to share with others, yet still keep in their own homes. Fortunately, our Archivist and Curator, Bev Darville has a long experience of making reproductions that are difficult to distinguish from originals. This she routinely does to preserve our original artwork from the destructive effects of fluctuating temperature and sunlight; she can hang the reproductions virtually anywhere, secure in the knowledge that the irreplaceable original is tucked away safely and a faded copy can be quickly replaced from our digital archive. By accepting the opportunity to reproduce, Bev allows us to enjoy work that would otherwise remain unseen.
Along with the primarily decorative objects previously noted, we have received a number of what a racing yacht club would have to regard as practical amenities – trophies to celebrate the winners. We now have new and re-furbished trophies for our new and renascent
fleets, welcome reminders that in a time when sailing is on a bit of a downswing, our sailors and our Club are investing in boats that embody both new approaches and traditional skills.
Finally, it would be remiss to leave out of this celebration of generosity a mention of the welcome donations of the grease that keeps the heritage machine humming, money. Framing and re-framing pictures, refurbishing trophies and patching up artefacts that have suffered less-than-gentle care is expensive, and cheques are as welcome as any fine picture or piece of tableware.
When visiting the Club, be sure to give yourself time to enjoy what we have on our walls and in our displays – and join the members of the Heritage committee in thanking those who have made donations in cash or kind, to enable the beauty around you. Consider, too, if you have something that you’d like to share with others, that could enjoy the same respectful treatment you see in the present exhibits. We’ll all welcome it.
RCYC AT THE BOAT SHOW
January 21st – 23rd
Remote-Controlled Boat Racing
6:30 pm - 7:30 pm
We have a BIGGER pool for three days
only! Bring your Dragon Force 65 radio- controlled boat to the indoor lake and get a behind-the-scenes experience at the Toronto Boat Show.
Spectators are encouraged to come support our RCYC sailors from the stands. All are welcome to join in at the pool at City Clubhouse and try sailing any Thursday at 7:00 pm this winter any other week!
Contact the Sailing Office for more details.
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JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2020 • KWASIND
HERITAGE