An Honourable Inspection
Greeters Brian, Lee, and Mary Lou were pleasantly surprised with an unscheduled drop-in by Her Honour, Wendy Cocchia, Lieutenant Governor, to the Mews. Her informal visit was undoubtedly in response to rumours that Rudi’s Tea Room needed a new batch of scones taste tested with a well-deserved cup of tea.
Having Designs on (or, rather in) Government House
The Floral Designers is a group of 15 dedicated volunteers who create the floral arrangements that decorate all Government House events. 
Team leaders Lynne Thompson, in front, with 26 years as a volunteer, and Audrey van Osterhout (14 years as a volunteer) plan the colour schemes, calculate the type and number of blooms needed, and develop budgets after receiving a list of events with the number of arrangements required for each one.
How They Work Their Magic
The floral design team typically works six-to-eight-hour days to design and assemble the arrangements, especially before major events. During busy autumn months, planning and ordering occupy the majority of the well over 700 hours in total spent by the team.
Visitors to the House have these passionate, talented, and dedicated volunteers to thank for the amazing variety of floral masterpieces complementing House events.
Friends at the ArtisTREE Festival
Government House grounds was transformed by 150 juried artisans, art installations, painters, interactive workshops, Indigenous creators, and live music at the bandshell during this family friendly, free event July 26 and 27.
The costume museum was open from 12 to 4 p.m. and free tours were offered at 3 and 4 p.m. Visitor donations were welcome to help support both the non-profit organization running the festival, and The Friends volunteers who maintain the gardens year-round. Here are just a few of the Friends who prepared colourful displays showing the work of its members.
Our Most Senior Greeter
Gerry Houlden holds the title of “vintage” volunteer for the Friends. “I joined the Friends in November 2019 when my wife, Junine, got me started. We found a spot as Greeters which we enjoy and can do together, says Gerry. As well, he says, “I also spend time at the downtown harbour Visitors Center as a member of Destination Greater Victoria. Meeting and helping tourists is very enjoyable.”
Gerry’s Background
He was born on October 3, 1925, in South Burnaby, B.C.and attended school where Metrotown now stands. He enjoyed most sports and excelled in baseball and soccer.
His first job was at the Vancouver CPR Depot Purchasing Dept. He ordered food from requisitions provided by the chief stewards of the B.C. Coast Steamships, now known as the C.P. Pacific Railway Coast Service. He joined the Royal Canadian Navy at 18 and served for two-and-a-half years during World War II. Following his discharge, Gerry worked for Chevron Canada for 38 years in locations
throughout southern B.C. and Alberta.
Retirement Activities in Victoria
“During early retirement in Victoria, he joined a group of men and women to form a slow-pitch team that won gold medals in the first senior provincial tournament in Vernon in 1988.“My first wife passed away after 41 years of marriage. I met and married Junine 35 years ago. We have three daughters, six grandchildren, and four great grandchildren,”says Gerry. He has volunteered extensively over the past 40 years.
When asked his secret to longevity, Gerry says, “It seems I have been blessed with
good genes. Exercise and a good diet are also important.