A behind-the-scenes reminiscence
- from Tom Agnew and Rodney Jackson
In May of 2023, after Roshni formed the 200th Anniversary Committee, one of the early event suggestions was a celebratory Gala dinner. One of the members of the Anniversary committee, Michael Davies, was able to secure the Credit Valley Golf and Country Club in Mississauga as the venue. Tom Agnew and Rodney Jackson were then appointed to oversee this project to its conclusion in 2025.
Organizing this milestone event was very much a learning process for us. Eventually, between the committee and the golf club, a date was set for Saturday September 20, 2025. Then planning began in earnest.
We engaged a fellow Anniversary committee member, Shakila Jayawardena, who in turn secured the assistance of a fellow Parish member, Debbie Barker. We were now a sub-committee of four. Working with Shakila and Debbie proved to be a very rewarding experience and the four of us moved efficiently through the complexities of arranging such a large event. Shakila took on responsibility for table seating arrangements, as well as entertainment and soliciting for door prizes. Debbie took responsibility for designing and printing the tickets, table decor and the elegant program, and organized the unique concept for guests to locate their tables.
Back in May of 2023, the Gala Dinner seemed so very far away. But as January 2025 came around, we could all feel the pressure of the year’s planning. As intense as our sub-committee meetings were, the four of us did not lose sight of sharing social time together after each meeting. Despite the intensity of the daunting task of putting together a Gala evening, all our sub-committee meetings were very rewarding because we would take time out at the end of each meeting to enjoy each others company…from which long lasting friendships have been made!!
Before we knew it, September 2025 was on our doorstep and the day of the Gala arrived!
As you could imagine our concern for good weather was top of mind as the day approached since the opening event – a champagne reception – was to take place on a large outdoor terrace overlooking the gorgeous wooded grounds of the Credit Valley Golf Club.
The evening was warm , the sun-light dappled, and the mood sublime as our 200 guests sipped champagne, serenaded by a saxophone player (suggested by Barb Thomas).
Then it was into the adjacent ballroom, where the evening was further enriched with the unique and complete talent of our Master of Ceremonies, Gary Spence, as Tim Time-Traveller, who obviously put in significant time and effort into delivering an engaging, educational and entertaining narrative that walked us through various eras of St. Peter’s past, present and future.
We would also like to thank Matthew Wilkinson (Historian with Heritage Mississauga) who, despite a recent injury, was determined to be with us on such a significant celebration of the Parish’s 200th Anniversary. He gave us an overview of St. Peter’s role in the history of the village of Erindale.
Entertainment concluded with a Music Bingo, which proved to be a great success with lots of guests singing along with the songs.
The Gala evening was a great success, and from the many comments we received, both directly and indirectly, it appeared everybody had an enjoyable and memorable time. That’s what we were hoping for!
Happy 200th Anniversary to St. Peter’s.
Tom & Rodney