Probus Club of Halifax Newsletter
Est. 2000
“Be a friend – bring a friend”
OCTOBER 2014 Vol. No.
Dates to Remember
The next regular meeting of Probus Halifax will be Thursday 20th November 2014.
Editors Note:The Blue coloured text in the News letter are links to web sites or emails. To open these links Press
Ctrl and click on the highlighted text.
Presentation
Joel Zemel: Scapegoat, the legal
proceedings of the Halifax Explosion
Brian and author Joel Zemel
On the morning of 6 December 1917, a French
munitions ship, SS Mont Blanc, carrying a full
cargo of highly volatile explosives, and a Belgian
Relief vessel under Norwegian registry, SS Imo,
collided in Halifax Harbour. A devastating
explosion followed 20 minutes later causing the
loss of over 2,000 lives, countless injuries and
millions of dollars in property damage. At first,
German spies and saboteurs were assumed to
have been the culprits. However, within a few
days, Captain Aimée Le Médec and Pilot Francis
Mackey of Mont Blanc were under intense
scrutiny in the court of public opinion. The federal
government launched an immediate inquiry to
investigate the causes of the accident which led to
the disaster. However, Ottawa’s underlying goal
was to assume control over the port and its
pilotage system. During the latter part of the
proceedings, fingers pointed towards the Royal
Canadian Navy for alleged mismanagement of the
port. By that time, the drive to find those
responsible for the unthinkable had reached a
fever pitch. As a result of the inquiry decision, the
captain and pilot, along with RCN chief examining
officer, Commander F. Evan Wyatt, were singled
out for blame. They were arrested and
subsequently charged with manslaughter and
criminal negligence.
Within the framework of the inquiry transcripts and
through the incorporation of additional legal
records, official naval documentation, photographs
and archived resources, Joel’s book details the
circumstances leading up to the day of the
collision, fire and explosion. Ultimately, the
evolution of the concerted efforts to indict a
scapegoat in the wake of this unprecedented
marine and civil disaster is revealed.
Author Joel Zemel lives and works in Halifax. He
is a professional guitarist and teacher and has
been involved in the Halifax music scene for the
past forty-five years. Joel turned to writing in 2006.
Recently, he completed and self-published his first
book, a non-fiction work entitled Scapegoat – the
extraordinary legal proceedings following the 1917
Halifax Explosion, which was licensed to New
World Publishing (Canada) in 2014. Related
history can be found at: www.halifaxexplosion.net .
Club News and General Meeting
If you still owe dues please pay our Treasurer
Gail Matthews $45 Cheques preferred please.
To date 141 of our 178 members have paid.
October 2014 Probus Halifax Newsletter
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five coats of paint revealed the original bottom of
the boat. Because the original hull required some
November: Jim Abraham on Global warm- upgrading, Pat decided to fibre glass the hull
ing, climate change and why we are getting himself. The fact that he had never done this
before left him undaunted.
these wild swings in weather
Having completed the learning curve on how to
December: Martine Durier-Copp on the
fibre glass a power boat, Pat decided it was time
Canada-Cuba partnership
to sand the interior of the boat and complete the
January: Jonathan Sheppard Parks Canada topside. A fresh coat of paint was applied, a new
on the new Sable Island National Park
steering mechanism added, hopefully at less cost
than that of a recent schooner, and the refinished,
At our December meeting we will be pleased
Glen Gree, was completed.
Upcoming Monthly Programs:
to have as, a guest of Peter Davidson a
member of the Probus National Board
Margaret McKenzie from Edmonton who will
talk briefly about the National organization
and how local clubs relate.
MY Story / Storytime
Pat Charlton and the Glen Gree Express.
The Glen Gree Express was a home grown
hydrofoil that was a common sight in the Bedford
Basin and the Halifax waterfront. Built around the
same time as the infamous HMCS, Bras D’or, it
was a slightly smaller version. As Pat explained to
the members, the boat belonged to Pat’s father-inlaw, Charles Fowler, who modified it with the foils
around the 1954 time frame. His father-in-law
was very proud in demonstrating the uniqueness
of this power boat and spent many a leisure hour
speeding around the Basin.
The New Lady
It is difficult to believe that the photograph above is the same
boat that beat the waves over 61 years ago. Pat should be
very proud of his accomplishment. To answer the question, is
this lady ready to go? As Pat might say, “ Ready, Aye Ready”.
New members:
There were 3 new members.
CHRIS BINNS RETIRED IN 1995 AFTER A 35 YEAR
CAREER IN THE CANADIAN ARMY. HALF HIS
MILITARY TIME WAS SPENT WITH OPERATIONAL
UNITS IN THE UNITED KINGDOM, GERMANY,
CYPRUS, AND IN THE UNITED STATES. THE
REMAINING HALF OF HIS CAREER WAS SPENT IN
STAFF POSITIONS AS PROJECT DIRECTOR AND IN
FORCE RESTRUCTURING. CHRIS IS ACTIVE IN
VOLUNTEERING FOR CAPTIAL HEALTH, THE
CANADIAN CANCER SOCIETY AND SEVERAL
CHURCHES.HE PRESENTLY CHAIRS THE JIKIDEN
REIKI ASSOCIATION OF CANADA,( A
The Glen Gree “airborne”
COMPLEMENTARY THRERAPY USED WITH
A few years ago, the old girl was showing her age, CURRENT MEDICAL TREATMENTS) AND WITH THE
THEOLOGY COMMITTEE OF HALIFAX
so Pat and Charles decided it was time for a
PRESBYTERY
UNITED CHURCH OF CANADA.
makeover. After removing the foils and all the
hardware, Pat started by turning the boat over and
sanding the hull. Two sanders later and after
many hours of hard labour, the removal of at least
October2014 Probus Halifax Newsletter
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BISHOP “SUE” MOXLEY RETIRED THIS PAST
MARCH AND WAS THE FIRST FEMALE ANGLICAN
BISHOP OF NOVA SCOTIA AND PRINCE EDWARD
ISLAND AND THE SECOND FEMALE BISHOP TO
LEAD A DIOCESE ACROSS THE ANGLICAN
CHURCH. PRIOR TO THIS APPOINTMENT SUE
HAD BEEN AN ACTIVE ANGLICAN PRIEST FOR 27
YEARS. SHE IS WELL KNOWN FOR HER PASSION
FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE AND CHURCH RENEWAL.
WITH THE RECENT COMPLITION OF THE
MULTIMILLION DIOCESAN CENTRE AND
RETIREMENT LIVING FACILITY IN HALIFAX, SUE
CAN FEEL PROUD OF THIS ACCOMPLISHMENT.
PETER HURD RETIRED FROM THE CANADIAN
IMPERIAL BANK OF COMMERCE THIS PAST
JANUARY WHERE HE WAS EMPLOYED AS A
FINANCIAL ADVISOR. PRIOR TO THIS HE WORKED
TWENTY YEARS WITH MARITIME TEL AND TEL
MAINLY IN THE FINANCE DEPARTMENT. PETER IS
A CERTIFIED MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTANT AND A
CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER. HE KEEPS VERY
ACTIVE WITH WALKING, SIGHT SEEING AND GOLF
AS WELL AS VOLUNTEERING FOR THE CANADIAN
CANCER SOCIETY. SADLY HIS WIFE PASSED
AWAY AFTER COPING WITH MULTIPLE SCOROSIS.
Special Events- Contact: Bruce Moxley at:
902-420-1294 [email protected]
902 835-8532 [email protected]
The Probus Book Club is already underway for
the coming year. The book club is open to
anyone. At the moment we are a smallish group
of faithful readers meeting one Tuesday a month,
in the afternoon, at one of our homes for informal
discussion of the book selected for that month.
The books selected for the next 3 months are:
Oct: Annabel by Kathleen Winter
Nov: Doctor on the Rock by Christian Belcourt
Dec: The Juggler's Children by Carolyn Abraham
This club met on Tuesday, November 4 at the
Chaytors’. We discussed, Doctor on the Rock,
which was written by Probus Club member, Dr.
Christian Belcourt, who was present to answer
their questions regarding the book as well as the
story behind the writing of the book. In the Preface
he gives considerable credit to Probus and members who encouraged him to write it after he had
presented some of it in My Story at a regular
meeting. The core of the book recalls his experience as a physician in rural Newfoundland 195962. It includes his early life and medical education
in England and later experiences qualifying as a
radiologist and his settling for a career at the IWK
Children’s Hospital, Halifax.
Bridge Group- Contact: Brian O'Brien at:
902 492-1109 [email protected]
October 20th at our home and the scores:
1st. Pat Konings:.......2,910 points
2nd. Helen Buckland:......2,140 points
Jos & Petra Hoeven (host & Hostess)
And:
The results of October 20th afternoon bridge: Top:
Margaret Caley 2950 pts,
Runner up: Victor Zahorski 2790 pts,
Consolation: Lynne Carter 2550 pts.
Clyde Wetmore
And Latest news:
The high scorers playing bridge 10th November at
Jackie MacLeod’s home were:
Adelaide Taylor
2810
Edison Taylor
And:
2770
At bridge 12th November, there were six tables at
three venues, and high scorers were Victor
Zahorski, Adelaide Taylor and Jos Hoeven.
The Probus book club welcomes new members we have wonderful discussions. If you are looking
for a book club to join, this is the one!! We would
certainly welcome new members.
Book Club- Contact: Rosemary Jost at:
October 2014 Probus Halifax Newsletter
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Diners Group-Contact: David MacKenzie at objectives and programs of the Club, the size of
433-1701 [email protected] – a meeting was our Club, and interface with other Clubs.
scheduled for 1st October at the Nova Scotia
Community College
Notices and Attendance
Attendance:
98 members present and 3 new members
Birthdays for October:
Norma Dawes
Barbara MacKenzie
Mary Mc Kenna
Bruce Moxley
Peggy Starkes
Robert Walker
Anniversaries:
Ray & Helen Buckland
Bill & Fiona Day
Norman & Dorothy Graham
Joe & Petra Hoeven
Dexter & Shirley Kaulbeck
Elbert & Marjorie Stevenson
Club Development
Strategic discussions were held by the
Management Committee regarding current
Additional discussions will be taking place and
feedback form the members is encouraged.
One of the responsibilities of the Management
Committee is to review the operation of the club
and explore whether improvements can, or should
be made to our current format of monthly
meetings and interest groups. If any member has
any suggestions or ideas which he or she
considers will enhance the format and social
aspect of our club please let us know
National News Letter and Other Links
The Probus International Web Site can be
accessed through the following link:
http://www.probus.org
Probus Canada which publishes a National News
Letter as well as having a link to the Halifax club
can be accessed through the following link:
http://www.probus.org/canada.htm
This Newsletter is a publication of the Probus Club of Halifax and its contents are intended solely
for the perusal of the members of that association. The Probus Club of Halifax was officially
inaugurated in November 2000 as a branch of the Probus Clubs of Canada
Meetings are held the third Thursday of each month, from September to June, at the Fairview
Legion (Corner of Main & Hillcrest) Halifax starting at 9:30am
The club currently has 176 members
The Management Committee members of the Probus Club of Halifax
President
Bart Konings
President Elect
Clint Edmonds
Past President
Catherine Ross
Secretary
Bill Roy
Treasurer
Gail Matthews
Special Events
Bruce Moxley
Membership
Mike Black
Newsletter Editor
Fred Donaldson
Program Chair
Brian O'Brien
Member Services
Betty Boudreau
General enquiries about the club may be directed to The President or Membership Chair
while queries regarding this publication and or its contents may be directed to the
Newsletter Editor, at the following e-mail address [email protected] .
October2014 Probus Halifax Newsletter
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