E-Mail messages by Non-members to any of the Activity Coordinators listed below are requested to include a contact telephone number.   An email message may also be sent to the Club's Activities Chairman at ActivitiesChairman - again, please include a telephone number.

Birding

The birding group meets once a  month at a variety of sites to observe the activities of the birds that live all year on the Island or visit us at various times. Binoculars are useful but not essential at first. The more eyes the better. No skills other than the ability to observe needed.

Book club

The book club is a group of approximately 12 people who get together once a month to discuss a book that all have read.  The meetings take place at the homes of the members, with the host choosing the book. The size of the group is determined partly by the number of people that can effectively take part in a discussion, and partly by the capacity of most people’s homes to accommodate the group.

There is currently one book club, but recent inquiries suggest that there may be enough interest to start a second group.

E-Mail Contact:  BookClub

Duplicate bridge

There are three duplicate bridge groups that play every two weeks at the members’ homes.  We use a Swiss Teams format.  Each group consists of eight members.  Standard ACBL conventions, rules and etiquette apply, but the atmosphere is very informal and convivial.

Mixed duplicate bridge

The Newcomers Mixed Bridge group (members and significant others) plays the first Saturday of each month at 7:00 PM at the Victoria Bridge Center, 612 Head Street, Esquimalt.

Pre-registration is preferred. 

Players enjoy a nice, relaxing evening of social duplicate bridge, and ACBL master points can be earned.  The cost is $6.00 each. 

Social bridge

VMNC members have access to various groups of two tables that play on different nights on a bi-weekly basis.  The members take turns at hosting.  A pleasant social atmosphere is encouraged, contributing to the enjoyment of the current groups.

If you wish to join, you will begin as a spare with the various groups.  When we have eight new sign-ups it is suggested you form a new group.  We will help in getting you organized.

Golf 18 holes

There are two golf groups playing 18 holes, one on Monday mornings and one on Wednesday mornings, at the Cordova Bay Golf Club.  Members pay the normal Cordova Bay green fees.  It is possible to buy a $100.00 or a $300.00 membership which entitles you to discounts.

E-Mail Contact:  Monday_18HoleGolf

E-Mail Contacts for Wednesday golf are:

1. July to December         Wed_18HoleGolf1
2.  Period TBA                   Wed_18HoleGolf2
3.  Period TBA                   Wed_18HoleGolf3

Nine hole golf

This group will cater to the golfers who do not feel up to doing 18 holes.

The idea will be to play nine holes at various local courses (Ardmore, Metchosin, Prospect Lake, Cedar Hill) and possibly make the odd trip up-island to Chemainus, Duncan or Marsh Meadows. The group may play once or twice a week, followed by lunch and refreshments. Effective October 1, the group will play Wednesday morning and participants will be advised on the Friday or Saturday prior regarding the course location and tee times.

E-Mail Contact:  9HoleGolf

He Cooks

This is a roving dinner club where the men do all the cooking. Each month a host prepares an entrée and the visiting chefs prepare appetizers, soup, salad and dessert. Women love you for it.

E-Mail Contact:  HeCooks

Investment interest group

The Investment Interest Group meets for a luncheon and presentation at the Uplands Golf Club once a month from Fall to Spring.  Our presentations typically include a speaker who works closely with investments and/or is part of a private/public company with an interesting story.  The group is an excellent forum to meet other people interested in investments and for members to share ideas and help others learn more about the industry.  We also run a Portfolio Challenge from September through April, where people can submit a portfolio in a friendly competition against their peers.   Typically, the group consists of approximately 25 regular members. 

E-Mail Contact:  InvestmentInterest

Real money investment club

The main purpose of this club is to inform members about several types of available investments and market conditions.  We discuss the mechanics of real investing through actual small investments in the Stock Market. Members are encouraged to share their experience and knowledge. Business meetings are held at 1 pm at the Goward House Oak Room, 2495 Arbutus Rd., Victoria, once a month. Meetings last about one hour and a half.  The August meeting is strictly a social event at the Med Grill in Saanich where members and their spouses, or partners, will have lunch together.  Potential members with limited investment knowledge are welcome to attend, with no obligation.  A new member has the option of partially or fully buying out another member, or of investing approximately $1,000 up front and thereafter contributing $50 per month for new investments and expenses.  There are no real physical limitations; however, temporary help could be provided when necessary.

Poker groups

There are two poker groups. One meets the first Tuesday of the month, the other on the third Tuesday of the month.

Pub lunches

Pub lunches are periodically scheduled at various pubs around the Greater Victoria area.  All members of the Men's Newcomers Club are invited to attend. Just show up at the Pub.  Door opens at 11:00AM.  

Public affairs discussion group

The Public Affairs Discussion Group (PADG) meets in a member's home on the last Thursday of the month (summer excepted) to discuss a public affairs topic of agreed common interest. Often, but not always, the host in whose home a particular meeting is held is also the sponsor of that meeting's topic. The sponsor first frames the topic and then invites other members in turn to express their views. Following a round table exchange of views members continue to chat over coffee and finger food.  Proceedings last about 2 to3 hours and are informal.  There is no record in order to encourage candour and lively exchanges.  There are no dues or attendance record (usually 8-12 attend) and no events outside of the monthly meetings.

E-Mail Contact:  PublicAffairs

Snooker and Russian billiards

Enjoy the fun and camaraderie of shooting pool with fellow Newcomers!  Experience levels range from those with a lot of experience to those who are beginners to the game.

Snooker and Russian billiards (our games of choice) are played every Tuesday from 11:00am to 1:00pm at the Royal Canadian Legion, 411 Gorge Road E. (corner of Gorge and Jutland); there is free parking.  We like to fully occupy the four large (6’ x 12’) billiards tables; one table is usually available for the new or ' rusty '.  Two other smaller tables are available. There are 22 registered members. The turnout per session averages between 8 & 15 participants.

NEW PLAYERS ARE ALWAYS WELCOME to participate.  Seasoned players provide instruction and assist new members.  All equipment is available at the Legion. After the games we socialize over a light lunch from 1:00 pm. to 2:00 p.m. in the Legion lounge. 

Players are invited to participate as often or as little as their schedules allow.  Costs are minimal --  $2.00 to $3.00 for two hours depending on the number playing. To play regularly, membership in the Legion is required -- $50 for an annual membership.  All costs, including food and drinks are for each person's own account.

Tennis

The tennis group engages in friendly doubles matches year round.  The level of play is respectable, but perhaps a little short of tournament class.  Currently we have reserved one court at Cedar Hill Rec Centre on Mondays at 12:00 noon and on Thursdays at 10:30 a.m., but of course we are free to arrange games at any times and places that suit our members.  When the weather improves, we play outdoors. 

E-Mail Contact:  Tennis