Quesnel seniors can travel to Barkerville for a special tour of the historic town, thanks to the Quesnel Rotary Club. This year marks the 58th annual expedition, and it moves to August instead of later in the sumer. The date for this trip is Aug. 24.
The sign-up happens Aug. 1, in person, at the Quesnel Seniors’ Centre and it is on a first come, first serve basis from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The seniors’ centre will be open each weekday during those hours until all the spaces are filled. Anyone interested is asked to attend in person and not phone the centre. If you cannot register in person, please call 250-992-6824 or a Rotary member you know, and arrangements can be made. (If all spaces fill up, as usual, a wait list will be created.)
Rotary is very grateful that Rocky Mountaineer Railtours has stepped up to “save the day” by supplying a pair of their luxury tour coaches and drivers for the day,” said Paull. “A third bus is expected to bring along a number of residents from Dunrovin Park Lodge.
Following an hour of fun and fellowship on the Cariboo Waggon Road, the entourage will be treated to admission to Barkerville and a club-prepared old-time miners’ box lunch.
After lunch, everyone will have time for tea and sweets while enjoying Barkerville’s street entertainment as they poke about the shops and exhibits.
Of course, a loaf of sourdough bread from Goldfield Bakery will be high on many a shopping list.
Everyone will be treated to a live performance at the famed Theatre Royal.
The day will be capped off with the annual group photo in front of Barkerville’s historic St. Savior’s Church.
Buses will arrive back in Quesnel around 4:30 p.m.
Club president Marg Anderson says this annual outing for local seniors is the club’s most important community service project. “Our club has been hosting local seniors to Barkerville for nearly six decades and this event continues as a wonderful way for our club to recognize and honour the contributions our seniors have made to the betterment of our great community,” said Anderson.
Long-time organizer Ron Paull said this annual day-trip for area seniors is the most enjoyable and rewarding aspect of his many years of Rotary service. “Quesnel Rotary is committed to continuing this event for seniors. We receive so many compliments on the miner’s box lunches put up by our club members and their helpers. Our charity fund, with assistance from a Province of British Columbia gaming grant pays for the outing, while Barkerville and Theatre Royal both give us a break, plus Rocky Mountaineer Railtours supplying their luxury tour coaches and drivers for the day is very much appreciated.”