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 On Commonwealth Day, March 13, 2017,
the Gold Coast 2018 Queen's Baton Relay (QBR)
was set into motion at Buckingham Palace for
the year-long journey throughout 52 nations and
territories of the Commonwealth.
The Queen's Baton Relay, similar to the
Olympic Torch Relay, is a relay around the world held
prior to the beginning of the Commonwealth Games.
The Baton carries a message from the Head of the Commonwealth, Queen Elizabeth II.
The Relay traditionally begins at Buckingham Palace in London as part of the city's Commonwealth Day festivities. The Queen entrusts the baton to the first relay runner. At the Opening Ceremony of the Games, the final relay runner hands the baton back to the Queen or her representative, who reads the message aloud to open officially the Games.
To see some of the March 13th star-studded ceremony in London click here, or to learn more about what took place read this write up.
Victoria, BC is scheduled to host the QBR on July 31, 2017! This will be an exciting event which will bring back memories of the 1994 Commonwealth Games held in Victoria!
RCS V.I. is VERY EXCITED to have begun discussions with the organizers of the Victoria portion of the QBR!
We encourage you to plan to be in Victoria on July 31st 
for the ceremony of the Queen's Baton Relay!
As RCS V.I. receives more information,
we will let you know the details.
For now, please mark your calendars!
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Queen's Commonwealth Canopy Speech Available
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On March 13, 2017, at the Commonwealth Luncheon
held at Government House, Dr. John Innes presented a wonderful talk about the Queen's Commonwealth Canopy (QCC), and the Great Bear Rainforest.
Dr. Innes has graciously made a copy of his speech
available to be shared with anyone who may wish to have
such. We thank Dr. Innes for sharing this valuable resource with so many people. If you wish to have a copy, please send your request to dspotto@shaw.ca and a pdf will be sent to you.
Also, if you wish to learn more about the QCC, click on the QCC logo.
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The news has been confirmed that three Youth from Vancouver Island will participate in the National Student Commonwealth Forum (NSCF) in Ottawa, April 30- May 5, 2017!
The two students selected as primary candidates during the November 2016 CHOGM event held at St. Michaels University School(SMUS) are definitely attending.
Amelia Hadfield (Grade 9 at Claremont Secondary School CSS) met with RCS V.I. Youth Rep, Koby Grewal, to hear tips and suggestions about what to expect at the NSCF. Amelia's excitement was clearly evident as she listened to Koby's enthusiastic descriptions!
Katie Oestreicher (Grade 12 at SMUS) at first was uncertain whether her exam schedule would allow her to attend! When it became clear that indeed she would be available for the NSCF, Katie was eager to participate.
A third participant emerged independently. Tori Kalyniuk (Grade 9 at CSS) applied to NSCF with the encouragement of her friend Amelia. Tori was accepted, and will "partner" with Amelia as they represent Malta in the CHOGM debates.
RCS V.I. extends best wishes to these three young women as they set out on this remarkable adventure in our country's capital in the year of Canada's 150 Celebrations!
Special thanks to Toni Goodman and David Lynch (SMUS teachers) who facilitate and communicate with the Ottawa NSCF organizers to be sure the details of this marvelous Youth opportunity go smoothly.
"Stay tuned" for reports from the participants in the May RCS V.I. "Circular".
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RCS Upcoming Calendar Events.....
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Dates to note on the calendar.....
Thursday, April 20, 2017 Time: 1:30 PM
RCS V.I. Executive Meeting at Berwick, Royal Oak
Sunday, April 30, 2017 - May 5, 2017
National Student Commonwealth Forum in Ottawa, Ontario.
Along with the three students attending, RCS V.I. President, David Spence and Secretary, Donna Otto, will attend as observers for several days of the Forum.
More information about this fabulous week: http://www.nscf-fnec.ca/
Sunday, May 14, 2017 - Mother's Day Special
Joint RCS V.I. & Monarchist League of Victoria Event
Time: 1:30 PM at Berwick, Royal Oak
"Fashioning a Reign"....
the Style of the Monarch and Head of the Commonwealth"
Watch for a flyer coming soon.
Thursday, June 1 - June 4, 2017
RCS Canada 2017 National Commonwealth Conference and Annual General Meeting being hosted in Edmonton, Alta
RCS V.I. President, David Spence and Secretary, Donna Otto, will attend.
More information http://www.rcs.ca/
Thursday, June 15,2017 - Time: 1:30 PM
RCS V.I. Annual General Meeting at Berwick, Royal Oak
Agenda to include:
- Constitution & Bylaws of RCS Vancouver Island
- Report on RCS Canada 2017 National Meeting
Monday, July 31,2017 - Time: TBA In Victoria
Queen's Baton Relay/Gold Coast 2018
In Victoria: Commonwealth Games Tradition of passing the baton.
For more information: https://www.gc2018.com/qbr
PLEASE RSVP for advance accurate planning of events:
dspotto@shaw.ca
or call
RCS V.I. President; David Spence
Cell: 604 469-1164
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Welcome to new RCS V.I. members
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RCS V.I. is pleased to
welcome the following
new members.....
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Emma Cook
Kathy Cook
Stephen Klimczuk-Massion
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Single $40.00 Couple $60
Make cheque out to RCS V.I.
and mail to:
RCS V.I.
#1110 6880 Wallace Drive Brentwood Bay BC
V8M 1N8
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