Category Archives: Brantford news
Dining Out at Pinecroft: Superb!
Our Dining Out Group first ventured to Pinecroft two years ago and we were keen to return this year. The trip to Alymer was delightful, especially on the backroads through farm country and stunning autumn colours. Pinecroft itself is a log cabin, nestled in the woods, built in 1948 to house a community of potters. The restaurant serves up hearty, healthy, country fare that is locally sourced and nicely prepared. Our group gathered in the store to check out creations from local artists and crafts people. We think Pinecroft is well worth the drive.
October speaker: Paulette Breau
Paulette Breau is a retired officer of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) whose thirty-year law enforcement career (1987-2017) culminated in the rank of sergeant. Her service was marked not only by her commitment to public safety, but by her determination to succeed in a profession historically dominated by men.
After her retirement, Breau turned to writing. Her memoir Never at Ease: Memoir of a Mountie (published in December 2019) recounts her experiences as the only woman in a 40-man RCMP detachment, the challenges she faced-including harassment, sexism, and the difficulties of undercover work-and her perseverance.
Paulette will join us on Oct 22, 2025 and talk about the history of women in the RCMP as well as sharing a few stories so her own career.
Women in Canada’s National Police Force
This presentation explores the history and impact of women in the Royal Canadian Mounted Police from its early days to the present. It begins with matrons and jailers in the Klondike era, moves through pioneers like forensic pathologist Dr. Frances McGill and the groundbreaking female troop of 1974. Milestones include the appointment of women commissioners, service with the United Nations and the changes brought about by the Merlo-Davidson lawsuit.
Fall colour for our biking group!
It’s always a perfect day to walk with good friends and conversation!
Our biking group!
Terry Fallis, Bill Bryson, old photos and more
We had a lively discussion about many great books at our meeting. One of our legacy members shared a photo from decades ago and we welcomed a new participant. Another of our legacy members shared a book by Susanna Kearsley, who had been a student of hers in high school.
One of our members let us know that Brant County Libraries was hosting two high profile author readings this year, Terry Fallis, and Joy Fielding. Should be great! They both have new books coming out soon.
One of our members is also an author and she showed us a book she was gifted by a visiting scholar. He had found the archival photo in the Antwerp museum dedicated to the Red Star Line that was used on the cover of a book written by our member for the Dear Canada series by Scholastic. Many of our ancestors traveled to Canada on the Red Star Line. So neat!
September 24th speaker
Some members of CFUW Brantford may know Erin Byron from her years of operating Welkin Wellness Yoga Studio in Brantford,
or from her books related to yoga therapy. Erin is a registered psychotherapist who, over twenty years, has helped many
clinicians, business professionals and others enhance their personal health and wellness, and improve their corporate cultures.
Erin will explore the building blocks of wellness and, through a variety of activities and science-backed data, will give us some
tools to feel less stressed, be more present in our lives, and enjoy a greater sense of well-being. Erin’s three books: Yoga for the
Creative Soul ($20), Safety in the Body ($20), and Yoga Therapy for Arthritis ($30), will be available for purchase at our general
meeting on September 24. (Please arrive early if you are planning to purchase a book as books will be available during the
social period from 6:30 to 7:00.)
Colette W for the CFUW Brantford Program Committee
The bookaholics are at it again!
The Monday afternoon book club met again and as usual, we read a TON of good books. Norah presented Patriot by Alexei Navalny (fairly interesting and detailed but overlong and wordy) and posed for this pic.
Other books read and highly recommended:
Closed Doors by Lisa O’Donnell, Tartufo by Kira Jane Buxton, Angels and Demons by Dan Brown, This Will Be Difficult to Explain and Other Stories by Johanna Skibsrud, The Best Laid Plans by Terry Fallis, She Didn’t See It coming by Robyn Harding, Anatomy of a Con Artist: The 14 Red Flags to Spot Scammers, Grifters, and Thieves by Johnathan Walton and Sold on a Monday by Kristina McMorris.
Walking with a friend!
We had spectacular weather for walking today: no humidity, no mosquitoes, nice shade and great conversations. Plus we made a new friend. Here they are, hitch-hiking on Wendy B’s hat!
