Iconic Gift Marks Canada’s 150th at St. David’s Big Lunch

It was The Maple Leaf Forever at St. David’s, Tsawwassen, June 25 when a piece of the song’s alleged maple tree was presented to the parish by Rob Rathbun, Officer of the Maple Leaf tartan-kilted Honourable Guard.

Rob and 11-year-old Jenna Meadows were piped to the platform by Alan Bain of the Seaforth Highlanders where Jenna received the gift of a handsomely-framed certificate on behalf of St. David’s.

A leaf falling on the shoulder of Alexander Muir from a maple tree in front of his home in Toronto’s Laing Street is believed to have inspired the Scots emigrant to write his poem in 1867.  When the famous Canadian tree crashed to the ground in a storm in 2013, it was decided that its branches would be used in some 150 projects across the nation.

The only limb to come to BC was acquired by the Society of The Officers of The Honourable Guard in New Westminster to be wood turned into a ceremonial Drum Major’s Mace. Smaller pieces of the tree are being shared by groups such as St. David’s,  where it was felt there can hardly be a more Canadian way of marking the country’s 150th birthday. The certificate with its slim slice of Muir’s maple tree is truly a piece of Canada’s history now ‘planted firm’ in the diocese’s peninsula parish at Tsawwassen.

Now in its 6th year, St. David’s Big Lunch continues to emulate the UK’s annual get together of friends and neighbours. Every June in the UK, since the Big Lunch idea was launched in 2009, people stop what they’re doing to join with neighbours in a nationwide act of community and friendship. “Getting together over a meal can lead to people doing more within their community and tackling the issues that matter to them most”, was but one comment in praise of the Big Lunch.

Red and white pennants, balloons, table coverings, napkins, flags and decorated Canada cake – left no doubt that something Big was happening in the cul-de-sac at St. David’s Church. While congregation and neighbours shared barbecued hamburgers and hot dogs, salads, desserts, beverages, ice cream and birthday cake, parishioners Allen Desnoyers (a.k.a. Captain James Cook), Lesley Sutherland and Sara Ciantar entertained in fitting celebration of Canada’s 150th Anniversary of Confederation. It was a red-letter day indeed.

IMAGES

• Seaforth Highlanders piper Alan Bain, parishioner Jenna Meadows, and Officer of the Honourable Guard Rob Rathbun after presentation to parish. Photo Mary Horton
• The Reverend Tim Dutcher-Walls (newly appointed priest-in-charge), John Horton (MC), Allen Desnoyers (as Captain Cook), Isobel Telford, during opening ceremonies. Photo: Mary Horton
• Help-yourself-table of barbecued hamburgers and hot dogs. Photo Mary Horton
• MC John Horton stands by while Isobel Telford cuts Canada 150 birthday cake. Photo Elizabeth Murray
• Parishioners Allen Desnoyers (a.k.a. Captain James Cook), Lesley Sutherland and Sara Ciantar entertained. Photo Mary Horton