The Abbotsford-Mission Alpen Club celebrated its 40th anniversary on Nov. 14.
All members were invited, as were a number of dignitaries from other German clubs, the German Consulate General from Vancouver, and representatives from Abbotsford and B.C.
The club formed in 1975 following a population growth in the area that brought many new residents who had belonged to a German club in their former cities.
Rather than driving to Vancouver to the Alpen Club or to Richmond to the Austrian Club, several people got together and formed the Mission Alpen Club in 1975.
This name was chosen because all club activities took place in the Mission Leisure Centre.
Later, upon request from the membership, the new name of Abbotsford-Mission Alpen Club was chosen since the larger majority lived in Abbotsford.
A constitution was drawn up and the club was registered in Victoria as a non-profit organization.
The club began to flourish, and members and their families enjoyed activities such as hiking, playing cards, fishing, dancing, picnics, and Christmas and New Year’s parties.
In 1981, the club formed a choir, which performed many concerts around B.C. and Washington, as well as at club festivities, song festivals, seniors' homes, shopping centres and fundraisers for other organizations.
Retired club members currently do one-, two- or three-day bus tours to places around the province and south of the border.
Once a month is the popular "coffee house" with coffee and refreshments.
The club hopes to continue for many years to come. For more information, visit the website amgac.com.