
Friday Update, July 12, 2024
Attention Please: Summer Fair | Cancellations | Summer Programs Guide
Activities Update: Drop-in Activities | Romantic Wines | Intro to Watercolour | Conversational Italian
Upcoming Events: Summer Fair | New Members Event | Happy Hour | Pancake Breakfast | 90+ Birthday Tea
Miscellanea: Bistro | Book
Reminders: Perfume Awareness | Book with us | Membership cards | Parking Stickers | Submission Deadline | Contact Us
You can load copies of old issues in our Friday Update Archive.
Attention Please
Summer Fair is Tomorrow!
Step into a world of wonder as the Fair unfurls its magic starting at 10 AM! Extend this invitation to your friends, family, and neighbours for an unforgettable Saturday basking in the sunshine. This once-a-year extravaganza showcases a treasure trove of delights, from exquisite handmade artisan creations to chic vintage attire, lush plants, and beyond. Make sure to explore every corner and indulge in the unique offerings that make this fair a highlight of the year!
Cancellations
Natural Dye Workshop: Monday, July 15, 10:30 AM until 2 PM.
Malahat Skywalk Tour: Thursday, July 18, 7:15 AM until 7:45 PM.
Summer Programs Guide
We’ve got some great activities coming up this summer. Find out all about them in the Summer Programs Guide.
Activities update
Drop-in yoga
These basic-level hatha classes include modifications and adjustments to help you feel comfortable and stable in your practice. All levels are welcome. Everyone can work at their own level and pace. Please bring your own yoga mat.
Mondays thru to Aug. 19, 9:15 to 10:15 am. Member drop-in $15, non-member drop-in $18.
Monday yoga info | Register
Drop-in balance, posture and strength
These moderate-to-challenging 60-minute classes begin with a low-impact cardiovascular segment, interspersed with exercises to improve balance, strength, posture, and body alignment, and finish up with stretching. This class is not recommended if you are at high risk for falls.
Wednesdays thru to Aug. 14, 9:15 to 10:15 am. Member drop-in $15, non-member drop-in $18.
Balance info | Register
Drop-in stretch and strength
These 75-minute mostly moderate to gentle-level classes that can be adapted to suit a variety of levels and physical limitations. This class is suitable for all levels, including those with some mobility and balance restraints wishing to safely challenge themselves.
Wednesdays thru to Aug. 14, 10:30 to 11:45 am. Member drop-in $15, non-member drop-in $18.
Stretch and strength info | Register
Intro to watercolour painting

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Six sessions, ages 18 years and up. We will begin by learning how to work with watercolour paint, namely how to layer, blend and fade colours, add texture, and develop a feel for the paint. We will then progress to painting simple objects and scenes, and round the course off with a big final piece. This is an opportunity for intergenerational learning alongside family members or friends.
Tuesdays beginning July 16, 1 to 3 pm. Members and non-member guests $90.
Watercolour info | Register
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Romantic wines of the world

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Five in-depth sessions with Master of Wine and Etiquette Dr. Clinton Lee. Discover the allure and passion bottled within each exquisite pour. Explore the world's most enchanting wines.
Thursdays beginning July 18, 2 to 3:30 pm. Members $150, non-member guests $175.
Romantic wines info | Register
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Tuesday Conversational Italian

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Back by popular demand!
Weekly Tuesday conversation circles at both beginners and intermediate levels led by Wojciech Ostrowski.
Beginners Italian Conversation: Speak very basic beginners Italian without the expectation of perfect grammar and pronunciation. 1 to 2:30 pm in the Sunroom.
Intermediate Italian Conversation: Already have a good understanding and speak Italian? Want to practise your existing Intermediate Italian without expectations of perfect grammar and pronunciation? 11 am to 12:30 pm in the Sun Room.
No drop-ins please. Class size is limited. To participate please contact brockhousemembership@gmail.com.
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Upcoming events
Join us at the Summer Fair’s Membership Table

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This Saturday, we’re honoured to host Andy Gilman and Peter Brock, descendants of the esteemed Gilman and Brock families who called Brock House their home over a century ago. Andy Gilman, grandson of Philip Gilman who built Brock House 110 years ago and lived here for 10 years with his wife Dorothy and five children, and Peter Brock, grandson of Reginald and Mildred Brock who moved into Brock House in 1922 and lived here with four of their five children until 1935.
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Andy and Peter will be stationed at the Membership Table alongside editor Jo Pleshakov. Situated near the house’s main entrance, they eagerly await to engage with you, address your curiosities, and offer signed copies of the cherished volume, Thorley Park to Brock House. This book chronicles the rich legacy of Brock House, detailing the lives of the three families and two organizations that have shaped its history since 1912. Don’t miss out on securing this limited edition signed copy, a historical gem whose entire sales proceeds will support the Brock House Society.
Read more about Brock House
July 16: New Members Welcome Event
This is a fun way to meet our Executive Director, staff, board members, group convenors and other new and current members; and a way to learn about the many programs, events, and activities at Brock House Society. Light refreshments will be served. Sponsored by the Membership Committee.
Tuesday, July 16, 1 to 3 pm. Free.
New Member Event info | Register
July 16: Happy Hour
Come join us for a glass of wine or beer and some stimulating conversation. Members can enjoy an hour or so chatting, unwinding and meeting people in a casual setting. The more the merrier! Bring a guest or two, whether they’re neighbours, friends, former colleagues or family members. Entrance is free for all. Non-members are welcome.
Tuesday, July 16, 5:30 to 7:30 PM. Free.
July 26: Pancake Breakfast
This relaxed BH fundraiser is held outdoors every summer on our beautiful grounds. Enjoy friendly company and tasty pancakes made on site according to a traditional BH recipe. Everyone is welcome!
Friday, July 26, 8:30 to 10 am. Adults $15 in advance, $20 at the door. Children under eight $5.
Pancake Breakfast info | Register
Aug. 14: Ninety-plus birthday tea
Join us for a centenarian plaque presentation and special birthday tea in the Marquee (Tent) honouring members who are 90-plus years old. The Membership Team extends a warm invitation to members born 1934 or earlier, along with their immediate families and close Brock House friends. The plaque will be permanently displayed in the front entrance.
Wednesday, August 14, 1 to 3 pm. Free. Registration is required.
Ninety-plus tea info | Register
Miscellanea
Bistro
Frozen Meals to Take Home
Don’t like cooking every night, especially in the summer? What could be more convenient than delectable frozen meals made fresh by the BH Kitchen team? They’re available in the Bistro to take home for only $12.
Bistro info | Menu
Library book of the week
The Locked Room by Elly Griffiths. Feeling isolated by Pandemic lockdowns, Ruth Galloway begins to ponder the mystery of a photograph of her cottage found among her late mother's belongings. Then appears DCI Nelson who’s investigating a decades-long string of murder-suicides. He enlists Ruth's help as he links the deaths to her cottage.
If you have paperback books you no longer want to keep, please donate them to our library.
Book and library info
Reminders
Perfume awareness
Fragrances can bring on headaches, wheezing and other reactions, especially for those suffering from asthma or allergies. Minimizing or forgoing our use of fragrances can help make Brock House safer for everyone. Thank you for this kindness.
Book your event at Brock House
Planning a special occasion? In a lovely venue? With specially prepared food and beverages tailored to your event? Then book it at Brock House! You’ll have a wonderful gathering, and you’ll be supporting BHS. We welcome bookings from both members and non-members. For help creating your perfect get-together, email communications@brockhousesociety.com.
Membership cards
As you enter Brock House, kindly present your membership card to our greeter. Membership cards and parking stickers are available at the office.
Parking stickers
Please ensure your current parking sticker (orange) is visibly displayed on the inside front window on the driver’s side. If you're an active member and haven't retrieved your membership card and sticker yet, kindly collect them from the office (third floor).
Friday Update submissions
Submissions for the Friday Update e-newsletter must be received by 4:30 pm of the Thursday preceding the Friday of publication. Content may be lightly edited for clarity and brevity. Please send all submissions to communications@BrockHouseSociety.com.
Questions?
Ask our friendly office volunteers:
In person: Third floor of Brock House (take stairs or elevator)
By phone: 604-228-1641
By email: Communications@BrockHouseSociety.com
Mon to Fri: 9 am to 3:30 pm