PPU - Pen Pals United in 1998

By: Maggie Chapman, England

Canada 1998 & Pen Pals United (May 19 - June 4) - Pen pals United 1998 was a gathering of around 60 people (including Michelle & John Beasley from Australia, who were on their honeymoon) and just about the right number for it to be manageable from a 'getting to know you' point of view.

We were each given an introductory folder which included a personal name badge and the name of a secret pal. It was great fun making up packages for our own particular secret pal and even more fun trying to figure out just who was sending cards and gifts to us. I was delighted to have Margaret Garner of California as my secret pal but I didn't fool her for long. By the time it came to revealing our identities she had already guessed it was me. On the other hand, Hazel Mauger of Washington had me as her secret pal. She laid a few red herrings and I had come to the conclusion that Charlotte Hart, also from Washington, was my pal, but no - Charlotte was showering Blanche. Yes, the secret pal idea was a good innovation which I intend to repeat at PPU2000.

Also in our packs were copies of the PPU itinerary and a list of attendees, as well as a good supply of note paper and cards, an autograph book, discount vouchers and Canadian postage stamps together with details of postal rates - a very thoughtful and useful touch. We each received a special penpals passport with pages to be stamped at future penpal gatherings and those who were at PPU'98 and who also attend PPU2000 will receive an extra welcome package of Canadian and British goodies as a token of their loyalty.

No meals were provided, apart from the final banquet, as Joan (Beyette) felt that the freedom to explore local eating places would appeal to most. Each evening from 7pm everybody was free to meet in the Gathering Place where free hand-outs were available as well as nibbles and drinks. This was where the post box was situated and also where friendships were sealed. There were many exhibits, collages, collections and displays and plenty of laughter and chatter. Groups of us met too, in various other places: the hotel bar, the jacuzzi,the steam room, the Chinook restaurant were places where I met with various people.

Workshops were informal and friendly. I missed only one, when I had errands to run in Banff. We all made Western scarves to wear at the line dancing session. The scarves were ready cut and prepared and beads, feathers and other adornments were on hand for us to decorate and trim to our own particular preferences. I bought a huge bear from one of the on site boutiques, who now wears my Western scarf with pride! The line dancing was great fun and I finally learned how simple is the basic Charleston step!

We learned how to make simple and attractive friendship folders. All materials were provided and we came away with many good ideas as well as with our new hand-made folders. In another workshop we talked about the different means of communication and in another, how to avoid pitfalls when editing a newsletter or magazine. Scrapbooking was another workshop where we cropped and layered our photographs and wrote appropriate captions. This was a very good day of communication and togetherness.

We also had a memorable tour of Banff Springs Hotel - THE hotel of the Rockies, which to my eye, resembles the appearance of Colditz Castle. Our afternoon tea there was scrumptious: sandwiches, strawberries and cream, truffles and Earl Grey tea and suchlike. During tea the first PPU2000 newsletter was distributed, together with a postal auction list. I was able to say a few words and answer questions. We enjoyed the shops at Banff Springs as well as the million dollar views.

Our PPU tour took us into the mountains and lakes again. Some chose to cruise on lake Minnewanka and others carried on the Johnston Canyon. I chose the latter and was glad I did. It was another hot and sunny day.

At the final banquet Janie Schmidt talked about friendship and what it means to her. Marjorie Edwards said a few words about a teddy bear she was sending to Australia and Blanche presented Joan with a token of our appreciation. The spectacular Maple leaf quilt, designed and stitched by Mary Lynn Lautenschlaeger was won by Margaret Garner - a very worthy winner. Out of all the quilts Mary Lynne has made for PPU gatherings, this is the first time it had been won by an American. Some of the UK contingent 'performed' the action song which they had made up for the Vermont gathering in 1996. Some preferred to hide under the table but they didn't escape the eye of John Schmidt's video camera!

Finally we met in the gathering place to reclaim our exhibits and help ourselves to the remaining goodies. Then it was all over. Joan cleaned up, as she had done every evening, and let Marjorie Edwards borrow the key to the room in case anybody wanted to go and have a final drink with them.

The Ramada was in the heart of Calgary though, so it was very central to our needs. We did such things as walk around the shopping malls, visit the Devonian Gardens, walk and sit on Princes Island alongside hundreds of Canada geese and their offspring. Black squirrels with red tails abounded and were very tame. We loitered in China Town - all very clean and elegant. Breakfasted in the revolving tower. Some visited the zoo and we all spent time at the Au Claire Market. Joan took me for a meal at the Ginger Room in Okotoks - a stately Victorian mansion. She handed me a bag of ribbons and lace and bits and bobs with which to decorate hats for the Olde Tyme Music Hall entertainment which we will be presenting at PPU2000.

Even though we had such a good time in Canada, with lots of laughs along the way, we were all ready for home.

Long live Penpals United and International friendship. Roll on PPU2000.