Islander

There was a dramatic distinction to this year’s National Philanthropy Awards presentation at the Empress Hotel. It became more than the formal recognition of philanthropic individuals and organizations that make a difference in the lives of others.

David Blackwood: A Major Exhibition, Winchester Galleries 2070 Oak Bay Ave., 250-595-2777, winchestergalleriesltd.com until Dec. 23. David Blackwood is an artist I admire.

This column first appeared in the Victoria Daily Times on Nov. 30, 1940.

With Remembrance Day on Wednesday, Islander offers two stories — one from the First World War , the other from the Second World War

On Aug. 4, 1914, Britain entered the First World War and sent a call throughout the Empire for recruits to aid in opposing Germany and Austria-Hungary.

Every bowl of soup at the Souper Bowls of Hope on Tuesday is special, for it not only nourishes the body, but also warms the heart. This lunchtime celebration brings people together for a bowl of soup.

For those of us among the ever-diminishing number of people who lived in Britain during the Second World War, Remembrance Day has a special significance. Most of us grew up in those grim and difficult years.

James Bond fever was in full swing at Strathcona Hotel’s Distrikt nightclub long before Daniel Craig inevitably said, “Bond, James Bond” during Thursday night’s Spectre preview at the Odeon.

This column first appeared in the Victoria Daily Times on Nov. 16, 1940.

Victoria man Ian Bos initially sent pictures of 200 Victoria parks to his father, who was battling cancer in Nova Scotia. When his dad was pronounced terminal, Bos flew himself. After his father died Jan.