The very first Anglo-Indian Day celebrated on August 2nd this year has kindled an a sense of esprit de corps among the Community world-wide and we here in British Columbia were no exception. About ninety of us-members of our Club, their families and friends-reminisced, chatted, laughed and enjoyed an excellent dinner at The Grand Buffet Restaurant in Richmond. The buffet offered a huge variety of (mainly Chinese) cuisine including a range of seafood, noodles, rice, vegetables, soups, a lavish salad bar and a selection of deserts and ice-cream.

The company was as varied as the buffet! In addition to our A-I Community, we were happy to welcome folks from the Macao Club, the Goan Club, our ex-Calcutta Chinese community-and several other groups too numerous to mention individually. Their participation contributed greatly to the evening's warmth and camaraderie.

The event was memorable too for yet another reason. We had a Birthday gal among us-Camille D'Cruz became an official member of the "Senior Set" as she stepped across the threshold of 65. Thanks to Gerry and Rita Watts' thoughtful donation of a Birthday cake, we were all able to sing Happy Birthday, cheer and clap as a very surprised and pleased Camille cut the first slice. Willie beamed with delight as he watched his wife-a particularly poignant moment as, following the stroke he suffered last year, this is the first social occasion he has been able share with us in many long months.

Karaoke was the next item on the evening's program, and a big vote of thanks goes to Peter Yap-who not only managed to coax the machine to life, but also entertained us with his considerable vocal talents. Our favourite crooner Charlie Morris took the floor and as always, received a thunderous ovation.

To those who joined us to celebrate Anglo Indian Day, thanks very much indeed for coming. For those who couldn't make it this year-and for those who did-mark your calendars for August 2nd, 2003! We're ready to do it all over again!

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