A History of Monterey

with Ronanne McConnachie Interview by Lesley Cobus

I know you have a long history with Monterey. What year did you start working at the Centre? I was hired as the Programmer of Volunteers and Special Events in 1985. I became the Centre Coordinator in 1988 and worked at Monterey for 10 years until 1999, when I moved to the Coordinator position at Henderson Recreation Centre.

What was happening at Monterey back in 1985? There was approximately 2,500 Members and 250 plus Volunteers at the Oak Bay Seniors Activity Centre as it was called then. The Centre was a second home to many members. The volunteers were very hands-on in running the Centre. For example, volunteers had keys to the Centre and would run the Centre on weekends and holidays. In food services, they would help prepare and serve afternoon teas and sometimes food for special evening events. In the 1980s Monterey food services only had a part-time Cook and part-time Baker. Special events would sell out at 200 people. Members enthusiastically participated in Bridge, group fitness, special events, clubs, and overnight trips. Monterey had the use of a character house next to the centre, which is now part of the library, that was called “the Annex”. We held yoga classes there because it was nice and quiet, and backyard barbeques were also popular there. Popular clubs included the photo club, where people would go on trips and share their photos on slide shows, sing-along with Dorothy and Cherry, Woodcrafters and Billiards. Craft Carnival was a large club. They ran both the Bazaar and Rummage Sale. We didn’t have computers in the 80’s. Registration Day was held in the Garry Oak Room. Members would line up and take a number to register in programs. Registrations were written out manually on old blue triplicate forms. Class lists were all handwritten. Sell-out programs included Bridge Lessons with Peggy Wright, Yoga, Tai Chi, Art classes by Glen Matthews and John Nip. The overnight trips sound interesting. What types of trips were offered? Group trips were very popular with the Members in the 1980s. Members loved doing things together in groups and leaving all the planning to the Trip Programmer. We partnered with a local travel agent and planned trips to Europe, China, Mexico, Hawaii, cruises to Alaska, bus trips to Leavenworth, and trips to the Rocky Mountains. Popular day trips included Expo 86, musicals/plays in Vancouver, as well as local destinations, which always included lunch!

What was the highlight of your career with Recreation Oak Bay? My years working at Monterey were the highlight of my career. I was involved in the expansion of the Centre in the late 1980s and thoroughly enjoyed the friendly community, and family-like feeling. Members were very engaged and dedicated to fundraising for Centre improvements. The engraved wooden brick wall across from Reception started as a fundraiser for the expansion project. What was your favourite thing about working at Monterey? The people! The staff, the members, and the volunteers. Together we all worked hard but also had fun.