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2003 proves to be a challenging year in the World, in Canada and in our beloved cities – Toronto and Hong Kong. The World once again faced another war which affected many people in a no win situation. Many parts of the world were hurt by SARS with many death and much economic losses. Our Western Provinces were heavily affected by Mad Cow Disease followed by fires and flood. Ontario and some Eastern States suffered one of the worst blackouts in history. All these had great impact on our daily life. Historically, human race has no choice but marches on for survival.
On behalf of the Association, I would like to welcome two new members: Col. Harnam S. Grewal who flew specially from Victoria, B.C. to chair our 10th Anniversary Foundation Dinner and Mr.Elliot Tse.
Early in the year, we received a letter from the office of the Right Honourable Adrienne Clarkson mentioning that Their Excellencies are unable to attend our Foundation Day Dinner.
In May 2003, RHKR The Volunteers Associations in Hong Kong, United Kingdom, New South Wales, British Columbia and Ontario celebrated the 149th Anniversary of the Foundation of the Regiment. Col. T.C. Villiers sent a letter to Defence Services Secretary Major General C.H.Elliott to present loyal greetings to Her Majesty The Queen on behalf of the Associations in the world. A reply was received from Her Majesty The Queen with Her best wishes to us. At the same time we celebrated the occasion of the 10th Anniversary of our Branch in Armour Heights Officers’ Mess, Canadian Forces College in Toronto. Our Guests of Honour were Senator Vivienne Poy and Dr. Neville Poy along with other distinguished guests –Mr. Tony Wong, York Region Councillor, Mr. William Dickinson, President of Burma Star Association, Capt. Samuel Billich and Capt. Peter Tong of Queen’s York Rangers, Capt. Raymond Wu and WO John Fung of Hong Kong Ex-Servicemen’s Association, Sgt. Raymond Miu of Metro Police, Staff Superintendent Mr. Ben Lau and Sgt. Ambrose Cheung of Metro Auxiliary Police Service, Mr.Kin-shing Cheng, Mr. Edward Leung, Mr. Dickson Wong, and Mr. Jack Kwok of St John Ambulance Hong Kong Fellowship, Mr. Daniel But, Mr. William Ko and Mr. Joseph Wong of AMS.and Mr. Anthony Hung of Scouts Canada. The Sino Canadian Youth Orchestra conducted by Mr. Pak-lam Mak provided live music throughout the evening. Each guest received a souvenir and a magazine courtesy of our sponsors. There were a total of 84 attendees celebrating the event.
Lt. Col. D.L. Chin, The Commanding Officer of Field Engineer Regiment invited the members of the Association to attend 2003 Toronto Officers’ Garrison Ball at the Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel on February 15, 2003. There were over 1000 guests including The Hon. John McCallum, the Minister of Defence, The Hon. James K. Bartleman, The Lieutenant Governor of Ontario and Officers from the U.S. Military Services as well as members of Regular and Reserve Forces. Tony, Nelson, Fan Ho and I with our wives had a very enjoyable evening.
On February 16 2003, we held a Chinese New Year Family Dinner at Ruby Restaurant with 40 people attending. We exchanged gifts at the end of the gathering and greetings with each other for good health in the Year of Ram.
We organized our family picnic to Webster’s Falls in Spencer Park and Rose Garden of Royal Botanical Gardens in Hamilton area on September 7, 2003. 48 people including 2 babies traveled in a convoy of twelve cars.. We enjoyed the scenery, nice weather and a delicious pot-luck lunch. The day ended with a dinner at Happy Garden Restaurant in Mississauga.
On December 14, 2002, we were invited to attend the Queen’s York Rangers Annual Christmas Party at the Fort York Armoury. Our representatives were W.H.Ip, Fan Ho, S.P. Kwok and myself. I presented four “99 Trophy” to their four top candidates for various courses in the training year. The winners were Tpr. Toplis, Cpl. R. Russell, M/Cpl. T. Koziak, and Sgt. R. Maybee. Since the first shield we presented to QYR was filling with the names of all the winners, I also presented the second big shield which Larry had brought back from Hong Kong. I extended my best wishes to Lt. Col. K.R. Winiarski for continuous success of the Regiment.
We were invited to attend the QYR Sergeants’ Mess Annual Dinner on May 3, 2003. Fan Ho, Nelson Cheng, W.H. Ip and I attended this function.
This year, we had two joint functions with Hong Kong Ex-Servicemen’s Association:
1) On July 5, 2003- we participated at the Asian Heritage Concert to celebrate Canada Day at Vaughan City Playhouse. Alfred Lai and Nelson Cheng were in the Colour Party while W.H.Ip, Billy Nip, Fan Ho and I attended the ceremony.
2) On August 10, 2003- we provided Colour Party and Guard for the parade at the 13th Annual Massed Band Tattoo at Royal Canadian Legion Scarborough Centennial Branch 614. Tony, Nelson, Billy, Larry and I were on parade.
HKESA and 709 Communication Regiment held their Annual Affiliation Ceremony at the Simeon
Park on July 6, 2003. Tony, K.M. Ho, Nelson, Alfred and I took part in the celebration.
We were invited by HKESA to their Regimental Dinner 2003 on October 25, 2003 at the Officers’ Mess 709 Communication Regiment, Fort York Armoury. K.M. Ho, Fan Ho, S.P. Kwok and I attended this function.
As in previous years, we support community and cultural events whenever we are requested. On May 15, 2003, we were invited by the Hon. Sheila Copps, Minister of Canadian Heritage, the Hon. Jean Augustine, Secretary of State and the Hon. Vivienne Poy, the Senator to attend a reception celebrating the Asian Heritage Month in National Gallery of Canada in Ottawa. Nelson, Alfred, W.H. Ip and I shared a good time with other guests from other organizations.
On August 8, 2003, we were invited to attend the Scouts Canada-Chinese Scouters Association and Grace United Symphonic Band for their fund raising Scout Night Concert at Markham Theatre. Being old Scouts ourselves, Tony, Nelson, Francis, Billy, W.H.Ip and I were warmly welcomed by Dragon Jamborette Camp Chief Mr. Anthony Hung and Mr. Pak-lam Mak, the Conductor.
In 2004, ex-members of the Royal Hong Kong Regiment in many parts of the world will be celebrating the150 year anniversary of the Regiment Foundation. Members are cordially invited to take part in the celebrations in U.K. in June and Hong Kong in November. We are in constant contact with U.K. Branch and Hong Kong with regards to the planning and preparation in progress. Your full support is urged in order to make this anniversary celebration a success. We also greatly appreciate their effort to keep us informed by their Newsletters through email.
Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to express my most sincere appreciation to all the members and their families especially the executive committee for their support and co-operation throughout these four years as the President. I would like to thank our sponsors who supported our 10th Anniversary commemorate magazine.
May you and your family be blessed with health and happiness.
James Chan President 2003  |
