More than a house

GOWARD HOUSE IS A HOME AWAY FROM HOME

Moving to Victoria from the interior of B.C. four years ago has proven to be a no-brainer for me. From the start, my wife Vivian and I enjoyed the moderate climate and keeping the snow shovel in the back shed to gather dust. A bonus we soon discovered was the gem we found in our Cadboro Bay neighbourhood.

One day, shortly after our arrival we found ourselves walking along Arbutus Road. While enjoying the fresh air, we noticed a Victorian-style building located in a picturesque setting, surrounded by acres of woodlands and manicured gardens and lawn at 2495 Arbutus Road. The sign facing the boulevard indicated this was Goward House and advertised there was an art show inside.

My wife, being an artist, proposed we drop in; suggesting that perhaps this could be a venue for her own art work. We sauntered in and were greeted by a pleasant, welcoming receptionist at the front desk. She explained there was no charge for viewing the art show and that Goward House hosted a new show every month. She further explained that Goward House also displayed an art show once a year for the four local schools featuring works by students of all ages. We were impressed by the welcoming atmosphere.

We soon learned that Goward House and its surrounding six acres of property were named Woodlands by Bernard and Mary Goward, when the house was built in 1908. Bernard Goward died in 1932, leaving their son, Owen, to inherit Woodlands in 1940. Owen Goward and his bride, Elizabeth, both artists, opened an art gallery in their home in 1971 to display their paintings. In 1973, Owen Goward sold Woodlands to the Municipality of Saanich, but retained lifetime occupancy of the property. This lifetime occupancy was relinquished by Elizabeth Goward in 1986. She lived to see the renewed Goward House in its new role as a seniors’ activity centre and was offered its first honorary membership in 1989. To date, the centre continues to operate as a non-profit society.

We toured the art show, enjoyed the atmosphere offered by what was once a private home, had coffee in the Tea Room and days later, joined as members. Both of us enrolled in bridge classes, signed up with the writers’ group and borrowed many books from its lending library.

In the following years, Vivian was able to display her artwork several times at Goward House and participate in the annual Christmas Craft Fair.

In Goward House, we found an instant social group and met many exceptional people. After a successful life, Vivian, unfortunately, passed away last year.

What then has Goward House meant for me over these years? Meeting people, getting involved in activity groups and helping out as a volunteer has been good medicine for both my mind and body. I have discovered many opportunities to socialize, participate and remain physically active. Classes in Tai Chi, Bridge groups, fitness classes, the Goward House Singers, numerous art, French, Spanish and craft groups, etc. are available.

Remaining involved is so important for the 50+ age group in our society. Participating and volunteering in some way at Goward House is healthy – not only for each individual member but also is financially necessary for this non-profit society as a whole. The fees stay low, the Tea Room keeps brewing, and interesting people become part of one’s friendship circle. All of this taking place in a warm home-like environment. Affordable fees for membership, courses and special activities are collected. Additional income is obtained from weekend rentals, weddings, receptions and conferences.

A high number of volunteers donate their time and energy in the kitchen, at the reception desk and special events. Volunteers also facilitate programs and work in the gardens and woodlands.

For me, the opportunity to volunteer at the front desk presented itself. I hadn’t told anyone that I have a hard time remembering names, so the experience of putting names to faces was good practice for me. At this stage of life, my involvement in Goward House has kept me mentally alert, socially engaged and physically healthy.

If you want to find out more about this Saanich gem known as Goward House, drop by for a visit, Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Enjoy the current art show, stay for tea or coffee and find out all that is available. You may find that there’s something special just waiting for you.