Northwest Community College Connections

Celebration of Learning trumpets new WEST graduates

Wet'suwet'en Chief Nam’ox addresses WEST graduating class at the June 19 Celebration of Learning at Ganokwa camp.

SMITHERS – With the the Babine Mountains and dense forest surrounding camp providing a striking backdrop, Northwest Community College School of Exploration & Mining celebrated a fresh group of graduates primed to join the minerals industry in a ceremony at Ganokwa camp on June 19.

Fitting for a program that takes place in a camp setting, the proud graduates walked across the outdoor stage in the Celebration of Learning that has come to signify the completion of the 7-week Workforce Exploration Skills Training (WEST) program at Northwest Community College School of Exploration & Mining (NWCC SEM). The morning began with a traditional welcome to friends and family of graduates from Chief Timberwolf (Mabel Forsyth) of the Wet'suwet'en Nation, followed by inspiring speeches from Chief Nam'ox (John Ridsdale), Smithers Mayor Taylor Bachrach, Smithers Exploration Group Director Christine Ogryzlo, and NWCC SEM Industry Liaison Tony Harris.  "You've opened the door here," said Ogryzlo in her address, "Now you must step through it, and never stop opening doors."
 
After seven weeks of hard work in camp concluding with a week of intense fieldwork experience on

Mya Dixon, WEST 2012 graduate

a mineral claim near Chapman Lake, students were proud and a few tears were shed from the podium. Coming from communities all across British Columbia, WEST graduates are armed with skills and training honed to meet the needs of the minerals and natural resources industries and these students will be quickly pulled into the workforce. Since 2004, NWCC SEM has graduated more than 900 students, and more than 70 percent of these have found employment or pursued further education.

WEST provides positive outcomes for students, communities and industry. Students are empowered with skills and positive self regard necessary to strive in the industry. Upon graduation, they have already proven themselves able to handle the conditions they will face in a work environment. For the communities they return to, these students build capacity to engage with projects taking place in their territories and participate in responsible resource development. Graduates act as role models to their families and community.

George Reid, WEST 2012 graduate

For industry, graduates are primed for successful employment. They have been through a rigorous interview process before being accepted into this demanding program. With feedback from industry, the program accurately reflects the training needs of industry for entry level position, and all graduates are able to meet these demands. "This is the most intense seven-week interview process anyone might be expected to go through," says Harris of the program.

Strong relationships with industry partners is key to the success of NWCC SEM programs. The Smithers Exploration Group is NWCC SEM's primary industry partner and provides the camp where training occurs. The advice and advocacy from the SEM Program Advisory Committee, which has strong industry representation, also ensures that NWCC SEM continues to deliver cutting edge innovative training as needs of industry change.  Special thanks are due to Riverside Resources for donating the space for students to practise their skills during the 7-day fieldwork practicum.

Anderson Leung, Prospertors and Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) award recipient for 2012.

Every year, the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) awards a $500 bursary  to a graduate from each WEST cohort who demonstrates exceptional leadership and academic excellence. NWCC was delighted to present Anderson Leung with this award to honour his leadership, humour, and constant dedication to excellence.  Leung achieved the highest overall academic standing of any NWCC SEM graduate on record, and plans to continue his training to become a geologist after spending the summer working. During the 7-week program the students were honoured to receive a motivational seminar from the Patrick McCandless, VP of Exploration for Imperial Metals.  McCandless, a strong supporter of the innovative training model employed by NWCC SEM, spoke highly of Leung, "I will be supporting and tracking his career growth and development knowing he is going to be a rocket in our industry."

NWCC is a valuable community asset impacting the lives of students and our communities. Through its nine campuses, 500-plus employees and an annual injection of more than $30 million in the local economy, NWCC is an economic engine supporting the many communities that look to us to provide innovative programs and services.

 

NWCC vehicle fleet gets critical addition thanks to donation

Ready to roll: NWCC Facilities and Maintenance Foreman Brian Coverdale with the newest addition to NWCC's vehicle fleet, the Emergency Transport Vehicle. The van, purchased with the donation from Callinex Mines, will support programming from the College's School of Exploration & Mining based out of Smithers.

TERRACE – Northwest Community College (NWCC) has used a generous donation from Callinex Mines to purchase an Emergency Transport Vehicle (ETV) that will support and enhance the mobile, field-based training offered by its Smithers-based School of Exploration & Mining (SEM).

"Northwest Community College's School of Exploration & Mining specializes in relevant, field-based training that replicates real work conditions and teaches skills needed by industry," said Tlell Glover, Project Administrator with SEM's Workforce Exploration Skills Training (WEST) program. "Replicating these field-based conditions means having all the health and safety nets that are standard practices in the industry. This donation is a huge boost to NWCC's abilities to offer field-based training for the minerals and natural resources industries."

Dave O'Leary, NWCC Vice President of Institutional Advancement, says the Callinex Mines donation toward the purchase of the ETV demonstrates the partnerships that have been created between NWCC SEM and industry.

"Strong relationships with industry ensure that SEM training remains nimble and reflects the changing needs of industry and communities," said O'Leary. "It also puts NWCC SEM in a unique position to provide students with a bridge between training and employment. Many industry partners recognize the strength of NWCC SEM graduates who are skilled to quickly and seamlessly transition into the workforce. It's a model for employment training that has been recognized nationally."

O'Leary adds Callinex Mines has been a strong supporter for NWCC SEM training, and has recently been recognized as one of four main sponsors for the purchase of NWCC SEMs mobile teaching lab, which will enable remote delivery of the drill core technician basic training course, among others.

Provincial and federal employment forecasts show the mining industry and its support activities will grow by 3.5 per cent a year with 12,600 new job openings in the sector between 2007 and 2017.

In partnership with Smithers Exploration Group and the Province of BC, SEM develops industry-related courses and programs, and offers training in various areas of mining and exploration. Since its inception in 2004, the school has graduated more than 850 students, and 83 percent of grads have either found work or returned to school.

Through workforce training for the exploration, mining and natural resource industries, Northwest Community College’s School of Exploration & Mining seeks to build capacity and engagement in communities involved with minerals exploration and other resource development.

Mining & Exploration expo comes to NWCC

The mining and exploration field is full of opportunities for young people in the Northwest.

SMITHERS – As part of BC Mining Week, Northwest Community College (NWCC) will host the first annual Exploration & Mining Community Expo on Thursday, May 17 at the Smithers Campus.

Danielle Smyth, Project Administrator with NWCC's School of Exploration & Mining (SEM), says the free and public event will showcase the many opportunities the mining and exploration field has to offer, with an emphasis on outreach to high school students.

Provincial and federal employment forecasts show the mining industry and its support activities will grow by 3.5 per cent a year with 12,600 new job openings in the sector between 2007 and 2017.

"The range of academic and career opportunities in Northwest BC in this exciting field is really booming," said Smyth. "The School of Exploration & Mining offers all kinds of training for students who have an interest in a challenging and rewarding industry."

Come to NWCC Smithers Campus Thursday, May 17 from 10am to 3pm. Check out interactive displays, equipment demonstrations (such as new heavy equipment simulators), an industry fair, information sessions about careers and training opportunities in the Northwest, hands-on demonstrations of skills used in the exploration and mining industries and enjoy a barbecue lunch.

Plus, from 6-8pm, NWCC will recognize the generous donations of four industry partners that helped SEM buy a drill core shack for use as a mobile teaching lab to deliver training in communities across the Northwest.

In partnership with Smithers Exploration Group and the Province of BC, SEM develops and delivers industry-responsive courses and programs The SEM offers training in various areas of mining and exploration in the classroom, in bush-camp settings and on contract in communities or as customized programs in remote locations Since its inception in 2004, the school has graduated more than 850 students, and 83 percent of grads have either found work or returned to school.

SEM mining programs expands after successful first year

NWCC students enrolled in the WEST program in 2011 listen intently to instructor Michael Nelligan during a Mining Exploration Field Assistant course.

SMITHERS – Northwest Community College's (NWCC) School of Exploration & Mining (SEM) is unveiling major and exciting changes to its most popular mining program this summer.

Expansion is in the works for the Workforce Exploration Skills Training (WEST) program, says Regina Saimoto, NWCC Smithers Campus Principal. WEST is a 7-week bush camp training program based outside Smithers with hands-on training of employable skills for careers in exploration, mining and other resource industries. It's provided at no cost for eligible participants, with funding provided by the Province of British Columbia through the Canada/British Columbia Labour Market Agreement.

WEST project administrator Elizabeth Zweck said the program will expand from two offerings in 2011 to three in 2012, thanks to a tremendous success rate.

“NWCC’s School of Exploration & Mining offered the WEST program for the first time last summer and it was a great success—84 per cent of graduates available for follow-up either found employment or returned to school,” said Zweck. “Based on student and industry feedback, we’ve tweaked the program to make it even more relevant to what’s in demand in the field.”

The additional WEST offering this summer will mean more opportunities for BC residents to access training and enter the workforce. Course additions include a week of simulated practical work experience, and during the last of the three sessions, a Forestry Assistant stream.

“There are many exciting career opportunities in the resource sectors, particularly in mining and forestry, and we need more training programs like WEST to ensure that B.C. can build and sustain a skilled labour force to meet the continually growing demand for workers,” said Pat Bell, Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation. “Government is committed to creating and protecting jobs for British Columbians through the BC Jobs Plan, and supporting the training system to create and deliver training programs that help us meet the demand for skilled workers in all corners of our province. Congratulations to Northwest Community College on the success of the WEST program.”

Graduates need to be in good shape to work long days in the field. During the week-long work practicum, students experience exactly the kinds of conditions they will encounter in the industry, with hands-on training at an SEM field site laying out grids, line clearing, soil sampling and practising wilderness survival. The Forestry Assistant component is a pilot program in which students will learn the practical skills necessary for timber cruising and silviculture surveys.

“WEST’s curriculum is already based on what industry currently requires and demands in new hires, but this is constantly changing depending on current projects in the area,” added Zweck. “These changes will ensure students are certified and ready to work as soon as they graduate.”

Student feedback in 2011 was overwhelmingly positive. WEST graduates called the program "life altering" and marvelled at their career prospects, especially in contrast to their job opportunities before enrolling in WEST.

Cory Sampson, 23, successfully completed the program in August 2011 and within a couple of weeks had secured a job with Selkirk Metals, based on the skills he learned in the WEST training. “It gave me a huge advantage when looking for work,” said Sampson, who was hired as a core technician and reports that he needed very little job site training as he already knew how to run the saw safely and prepare sample bags.

SEM has a reputation of graduating skilled, industry-ready graduates, says Ann Ball, of Galore Creek Mining Corporation.

"Northwest Community College's School of Exploration & Mining provides a hands-on training experience that accurately portrays the camp lifestyle and camaraderie that exists only in a camp working situation," said Ball, who adds SEM incorporates cultural teachings from local Elders that serves graduates well when working with First Nations and in their territories. "With input from highly-qualified instructors on specific aspects of the mining industry, SEM students have the ability to literally complete the course one day, and be on a job site the following day with the knowledge and confidence to do a good job—these students are already highly sought after in the workforce as they have the basic knowledge in several areas of mining and exploration expertise.”

This summer, WEST will be offered May 1 to June 19, June 28 to Aug. 16 and Aug. 29 to Oct. 17, 2012. For more information about WEST and other SEM programs, go to sem.nwcc.bc.ca.

Provincial and federal employment forecasts show the mining industry and its support activities will grow by 3.5 per cent a year with 12,600 new job openings in the sector between 2007 and 2017.

In partnership with Smithers Exploration Group and the Province of BC, SEM develops industry-related courses and programs, and offers training in various areas of mining and exploration. Since its inception in 2004, the school has graduated more than 850 students, and 83 percent of grads have either found work or returned to school.

Through workforce training for the exploration, mining and natural resource industries, Northwest Community College’s School of Exploration & Mining seeks to build capacity and engagement in communities involved with minerals exploration and other resource development.

SEM course draws students and industry praise

Pictured, an experienced driller from Blackhawk Drilling provides instruction to the Surface Diamond Driller Helper students on how to retrieve samples from the drill core tube.

SMITHERS – Northwest Community College's (NWCC) School of Exploration & Mining (SEM), in partnership with Blackhawk Drilling and the Smithers Exploration Group, recently wrapped up another successful offering of the Surface Diamond Driller's Helper program in Smithers. Another offering of this program is scheduled for May 28 to June 8 and spaces are still available.

This popular course has drawn students from across Canada to learn the basic drill maintenance and operation skills required to work competently and safely as entry-level Driller’s Helpers in the exploration industry. In 12 intensive days of learning, the program combines safety training with hands-on experience operating diamond drilling equipment. The unique program brings together industry expertise and training to produce job-ready graduates.

"The Surface Diamond Driller's Helper course benefits greatly from community, First Nations and industry partnerships. The program provides unique opportunities for students to meet with potential employers through field trips and on-site visits and students have an employment advantage with the eight safety certifications they earn as part of the course," said Danielle Smyth, SEM Project Administrator.

 As with other NWCC and SEM programs, the Surface Driller’s Helper program provides industry relevant training, and has resulted in direct recruitment by industry, such as Geotech Drilling of driller helper graduates since 2011.
 
"The (SEM) graduates come with a familiarity of drilling work, they possess the required safety programming and they have an awareness of the drilling environment," said Fraser Deacon, Manager of Human Resources with Geotech Drilling. "We think all of these attributes are valuable for both the student and our company."

In addition to Blackhawk Drilling and the Smithers Exploration Group, Highland Helicopters, Geotech Drilling, Hy-Tech Drilling, and Apex Drilling partnered with SEM to make the Surface Diamond Driller's Helper courses a success.

In partnership with Smithers Exploration Group and the Province of BC, SEM develops and delivers industry-responsive courses and programs. The SEM offers training in various areas of mining and exploration in the classroom, in bush-camp settings and on contract in communities or as customized programs in remote locations Since its inception in 2004, the school has graduated more than 850 students, and 83 percent of grads have either found work or returned to school.

In recognition of BC Mining Week the NWCC Smithers Campus is hosting the first annual Exploration & Mining Community Expo on Thursday, May 17 from 10am to 3pm. This free and public event will focus on outreach to high school students to raise awareness of the range of academic and career opportunities in Northwest BC in the Exploration and Mining industries. Check out interactive displays, equipment demonstrations (such as new simulators), an industry fair, information sessions about careers and training opportunities, hands-on demonstrations of skills used in the exploration and mining industries, tours to Ganokwa Camp and more! In addition, from 4-8pm, NWCC will recognize the generous donations of four industry partners that helped SEM buy a drill core shack for use as a mobile teaching lab to deliver training in communities across Northwest BC and Canada.

NWCC promotes First Nations and industry partnerships in Yukon

SMITHERS – Northwest Community College (NWCC) is on the road again, promoting First Nations and industry partnerships, as modeled in its award-winning School of Exploration & Mining (SEM).

Beverly Moore-Garcia, NWCC's Vice-President of Education and Student Services, was invited to present at the third annual Yukon First Nations Resource Conference & Student Job Fair in Whitehorse. The conference, which runs from March 20-21, is a chance for First Nations, governments and resource companies to learn best practices and techniques for working together in a cooperative and beneficial manner. 

"We went with three goals in mind," said Moore-Garcia, who presented yesterday, March 20. "First, we wanted attendees to understand that the SEM training model - which incorporates practical, hands-on and cultural learning in real life work camps – works and why it works. Second, our graduates are skilled, certified and ready to enter the workforce. Third, NWCC is willing and able to deliver SEM programs in the Yukon and other remote areas."

"The scope of exploration going on in the Yukon is exactly the type of work SEM students are trained for," said Tony Harris, SEM's Employment Advisor & Industry Liaison, who also attended the conference. "We actually expect some of our students will work in the Yukon this summer."

Topics at the conference included working effectively with Aboriginal people, education and training, successful community outreach and engagement, and much more. Participants and attendees were comprised of First Nations leaders and elders, recruiters, engineering and environmental consultants, government personnel and financiers. 

In partnership with Smithers Exploration Group and the Province of BC, SEM develops industry-related courses and programs, and offers training in various areas of mining and exploration. Since its inception in 2004, the school has graduated more than 850 students, and 83 percent of grads have either found work or returned to school. 

Through workforce training for the exploration, mining and natural resource industries, Northwest Community College’s School of Exploration & Mining seeks to build capacity and engagement in communities involved with minerals exploration and other resource development.

Northern Quebec's Inuit People hope to replicate NWCC School of Exploration & Mining

SMITHERS – Northwest Community College's (NWCC) award-winning School of Exploration & Mining (SEM) is poised to share its training expertise with the Inuit People of Quebec’s far north as a result of presenting at a minerals exploration forum there last month.

Tony Harris, SEM's Employment Advisor & Industry Liaison, attended the Nunavik Mineral Exploration Conference in Kuujjuaq from February 14 - 17. At the event, he talked about NWCC’s School of Exploration & Mining hands-on and culturally sensitive training techniques and in particular, its Workforce Exploration Skills Training (WEST) program. 

"The presentation was met with enthusiasm from members of the Kativik Regional Government (KRG) the Village Elders, industry stakeholders and other conference attendees. They were impressed with the teaching model used by Northwest Community College and could visualize using it in the Nunavik region," said Harris.

As in Northwest BC, major projects and thousands of jobs are coming to the area, yet a shortfall of skilled workers has been projected.

“That means, similar to here in Northern BC, by training local residents such as the Inuit for those jobs, there’s a real opportunity to ramp up capacity and increase benefits to the region,” Harris said. 

Margaret Gauvin, KRG’s Director of the Sustainable Employment Department, said “We are hoping to set up a similar program for Inuit here in Nunavik. We will be visiting SEM this summer to see the program working, and hope that a collaboration between the NWCC and KRG will result.

She continued, ”Training young persons about exploration and mining through an experience on the land is the way it should be done. Hands on experience, certification, cultural learning, with the help of experienced trainers and counselors – that’s a winning combination.”

Most presenters at the Kuujjuaq Mineral Exploration Conference were major mining and exploration companies speaking about their work in the area. Attendees included the general public, delegates from 13 outlying villages, and members of the Kativik Regional Government and Makivik Corporation, which supported Harris’ trip to the conference. 

Harris was the last speaker at the conference; as a result of plane troubles, he missed his original time slot and almost didn’t get to speak.

“This turned out to be a blessing,” he said. “It ended the conference on a positive subject that everyone could support. The projects planned for the Nunavik region through Québec’s Plan Nord are staggering and though locals are keen for work, they have some concerns about social and environmental impacts.”

In partnership with Smithers Exploration Group and the Province of BC, SEM develops industry-related courses and programs, and offers training in various areas of mining and exploration. Since its inception in 2004, the school has graduated more than 850 students, and 83 percent of grads have either found work or returned to school. 

Through workforce training for the exploration, mining and natural resource industries, Northwest Community College’s School of Exploration & Mining seeks to build capacity and engagement in communities involved with minerals exploration and other resource development.

Drill core shack donation brings new training opportunity to NWCC

SMITHERS – Northwest Community College's (NWCC) School of Exploration & Mining (SEM) will be able to offer Drill Core Technician training at remote work sites and on contract thanks to the donation of a portable core shack and equipment.

NWCC SEM is grateful to its industry partners Callinex Mines, Canadian Helicopters, Cyr Drilling and UTM Exploration for their matching $4,550 donations, along with generous in-kind donations from IRL Supplies and Castle. Dave O'Leary, NWCC Vice President of Institutional Advancement, says he was very impressed by the collaborative nature of the donation.

"This is a perfect example of industry working together to support the training that is needed to address the severe skills shortage in our region," O'Leary said. "The donors are to be commended for their innovation and cooperation."

The new training tool will support SEM's experiential, hands-on training model. The core shack is essentially a portable classroom, allowing SEM to offer Drill Core Technician courses anywhere, from NWCC campuses to remote locations and exploration camps.

The first offerings of the Drill Core Technician Basic Training course are just weeks away with one cohort at NWCC Hazelton Campus from March 15-20 and a second one at NWCC Houston Campus from March 28 to April 2.

"The School of Exploration & Mining team is keen to take our training out to our neighbouring NWCC campuses in Hazelton and Houston," said Tony Harris, SEM's Employment Advisor & Industry Liaison. "This is a great opportunity to put our new equipment to use and show our industry partners just how valuable it will be for our students."

Harris adds that Northwest area students will benefit from this generous donation and the specialized, job-ready training it enables because they won't have to leave their communities, saving them time and money. The course provides students with the practical skills required to observe, measure and record information from drill core. Upon graduation, students be able to process and safely handle core boxes, how to operate and maintain a core-splitter, and the correct procedures for handling samples.

Harris says SEM grads are highly employable in an industry known for high wages, strong benefits and regular work schedules.

Provincial and federal employment forecasts show the mining industry and its support activities will grow by 3.5 per cent a year with 12,600 new job openings in the sector between 2007 and 2017.

Since its inception in 2004, SEM has graduated more than 850 students and 83 percent of SEM grads either found work or returned to school. Through workforce training for the exploration, mining and natural resource industries, NWCC SEM seeks to build capacity and engagement in communities involved with minerals exploration and other resource development. By bringing the training to communities, SEM overcomes some of the barriers that learners face in remote locations.

Member of Lake Babine Nation receives CAMA bursary

SMITHERS –A proud member of the Lake Babine Nation is the recipient of a $3,000 Canadian Aboriginal Minerals Association (CAMA) bursary.

Richie Dominic Jr., grandson of Kathy Dominic and son of Richard Dominic Sr., will use the bursary to complete his Associate of Arts degree specializing in Archeology and Cultural Resource Management at Northwest Community College.

SEM instructor Richard Jenne said, “Richie has consistently stood out both academically and in the workplace. From his first training in the Environmental Monitor Assistant Program (EMAP), through his work as a Cultural Resources Field Assistant, Drillers Helper and, most recently, Team Leader, in NWCC’s Workforce Exploration and Skills Training program, Richie has shown an amazing work ethic and aptitude for work in the mining and exploration industry. I couldn’t think of a more deserving student to receive a CAMA bursary."

In his application for the bursary, Dominic wrote, “Archeology and Cultural Resource Management have become a passion of mine since I was first introduced to the field. I am interested in understanding my own cultural origins and traditional knowledge and passing this information onto my peers and community members.”

Tracey McKay (Nisga’a) and Michelle Blackburn (Tahltan) were the previous recipients of the CAMA bursary.

CAMA is an Aboriginal, non-profit organization which seeks to increase the understanding of the minerals industry, Aboriginal mining and Aboriginal communities' paramount interests in lands and resources.

Women in mining? Heck yeah!

Since its inception, NWCC's School of Exploration and Mining (SEM) has trained several women  that have gone on to have successful careers in the mining industry. SEM staff understand that networking is a large part of career building and has hosted the last two Women in Mining Northern BC branch meetings at SEM's Ganokwa training camp.

 

One participant said, "Visting the camp gave us a chance to network with the students, share stories, and remind us of the incredible enthusiasm we all had when starting out. It was great to add to our Women In Mining community, and good to see how well industry and education are working together."

The following is an email update to group members  from Anastasia Ledwon, Director of UTM Exploration Services.

Hi everyone!

Well, another great time was had by all who attended the WIM gathering on October 4, 2011.  Five of us met at the NWCC campus in Smithers, hoping to carpool out to the School of Exploration and Mining’s Ganokwa training camp.  Two women came all the way from Houston and Granisle, Andrea Kosalko was our organizer and is manager of the SEM, and the remaining two of us were Smithereens.  A short 15-minute drive had us at the camp where the students were settling into an evening of bonfires and general gathering.  The teaching tent had been ‘put aside’ for our own meeting and once we’d had a tour of the camp, the five of us entered the tent only to find about 15 students, instructors, and an Elder waiting to join us!  Check out the attached photo.  It was our biggest get-together yet and the camp cook and her intern spoiled us with a chocolate fountain, fresh fruit, pates and veggies, crackers and cheese, tarts and treats.  It was pretty spectacular! 

A round-robin interview circle ensued, with lots of stories shared.  We have some amazing women joining our group and entering our field – it’s great to see.  After much food and laughter and talking and fun, we non-students headed back into the dark and rainy night, on our way home.


July 12, 2011 WIM Meeting at NWCC

We had eight people show up and added four new members to our mailing list.  Two geo-engineering co-op students came with their employer from McElhanney, two ex-students-now-employees of NWCC came with their boss, and four of us had attended previously.  The appetizers everyone brought were amazing (from smoked salmon to homemade hummus to fresh asparagus).

After introductions and getting caught up, we had a tour of the new NWCC campus, an LEED-certified building, the first of its kind in Smithers.  They are up and ready to go and the building is amazing!  I think there are photos on NWCC’s website.  They are so excited about starting up in September.  It’s all glass and timbers, lots of local artwork, lots of open space.  Beautiful.  Once again we met at 7pm and didn’t leave until 10pm.  Lots of mentoring of the ‘younger folk,’ lots of sharing and tonnes of laughter.  We had a blast!  Ended at 10pm trying to get our photos taken as none of us knew how to use the timer on the camera.

Hope to see you all soon. 

Cheers,
Anastasia