We all know what it’s like to move to a new city and not know anyone. That’s what has kept the St. Albert Newcomers’ Club in business for 45 years, and they aren’t slowing down.
As the club celebrates its anniversary this year, it’s in “rebuilding mode” and embarking on a modest publicity campaign to attract more members. That’s a tough task, says president Liz Henderson.
“You can’t stay in Newcomers’ very long,” she explained, tongue-in-cheek.
She first joined the club four years ago when she first moved to St. Albert. She already had experience with the Newcomers’ Club when she moved to Winnipeg. Even though she moved from Edmonton, she figured it was a good idea to get in the social club anyway.
“I was a bit of a different case. I knew people here.”
Newcomers’ clubs can be found in many communities across Canada and the United States. The local club was established in March 1966 as a way of improving community connections for women who were new to the city. It’s very helpful when you are transplanted in otherwise foreign territory, Henderson continued.
“It’s just a great way to meet people,” she added, discussing the many sub clubs that members can join to better make friends with similar interests. There are more than 10 such groups, including ones that cater to women interested in crafts, movies and books, or for mothers of young children and ladies in their fifties.
Other opportunities such as a cocktail social evening and a dinner out allow the women to bring their spouses along.
“It’s just a really good way to meet friends, find out about your new city and pursue some interests.”
Henderson is now a member of the alumni association because she has been a member for three years, the cut-off point where you stop being a newcomer. Her friendships are firmly established but the regular activities of the clubs keep her going.
There are currently about 40 members. That’s a far cry from where it used to be in the early days of St. Albert’s boom.
“At one time [when the club first formed] they were up to 400 members. It really depends on how many people are moving.”
To that end, they are retooling the club in order to bring in new recruits. They don’t have any special events planned for the 45th anniversary but they would like to round out their roster. They’re aiming for 60.
Annual membership costs $40 and meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each month at the Kinsmen Banquet Centre. To learn more about the club or find out how to join, please visit www.stalbertnewcomersclub.com.
