Wendy Topham retires from WVHS Board
Wendy is one of those rare and indispensable people who sees what needs to be done and does it. She has been Membership Chair for the WVHS for eight years and has been responsible for the day-to-day functioning of the Society, a vital role for the organization. Wendy is also a Past Chair of WVHS.
Back in 2009, Wendy had been a member of the Society for some time when she came to a community meeting of the Book committee in Caulfeild. The purpose was to talk to long time Caulfeild residents about the history of the community as research for the Society’s first book, Cottages to Community: the Story of West Vancouver’s Neighbourhoods. As a member of the Caulfeild community in her youth, Wendy had stories to tell and memories to share.
The collection of stories and memories gathered throughout the community expanded along with the tasks required to publish the book. Wendy stepped in to help and shortly thereafter joined the Society’s Board. It wasn’t long before she became a very active member.
She took over membership, which in itself is a big job. She soon became office manager following up on a myriad of details. Without being asked Wendy picked up jobs all over the place. She looked after the phone calls, organized the annual BBQ, ordered supplies, mailed out the newsletter, contacted members when the need arose, organized Community Day set up and take down and filled in every little job that wasn’t being done. Wendy has been responsible for keeping in touch with corporate sponsors, working closely with the West Vancouver Archives and more.
The Society owes a great debt of gratitude and thanks Wendy for her dedication, passion and service above and beyond to the West Vancouver Historical Society.