Toronto Branch at the ROM...

The morning of March 16th was no ordinary morning. With the help of Toronto Branch Vice President David Steeves, transported and unloaded the paraphernalia which formed the Society's heraldry display area for the duration of March Break at the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) from March 16 to the 20th. This is the third year in which the Branch has actively been engaged with the ROM, executing the mission of the Society with ease as literally thousands of people passed through the area, many stopping to ask questions, and/or their children wishing to pause for a few minutes to colour their own personal coats of arms.

View of the presentation tables with the children's arms drawing table in the foreground left

The presentation area was setup this year adjacent to the glass case housing a cuirass (16th century), halberd, two-handed sword and other medieval artifacts. It was an appropriate back-drop for the heraldry display and presentation. Featured at this year's display included the hand-made by Society member, Donald Black, the coats of arms of the previous Governor General and the current Governor General. Featured as well, was a wooden carving of the City of Toronto coat of arms which was on loan at last year's March Break.

A young visitor to the ROM, diligently working on her personal coat of arms

The ever popular "kids' table" manned by ROM volunteers, provided opportunities for the kids visiting the museum to take some time out and focus on drawing and colouring their own personal coat of arms, under the guidance of the very knowledgeable Branch volunteers manning the display area. Frequently, as the children are busy drawing and being well behaved, the parents would take the time out to discuss Canadian heraldry with whomever was available at the display, often surprised to learn that heraldry is alive and well in Canada.

The five day affair concluded with some volunteers from the Toronto Branch actively participating in the second annual armoured tournament held by AEMMA in cooperation with the ROM and the RHSC. The tournament was nothing short of glorious.

The Toronto Branch wishes to thank the volunteers manning the display area, which includes Tom Doran, who was there each and every day, David Rumball, John Wilkes, Ilona Jurkiewicz (Branch President), and David Steeves.

First Canadian Space Expedition Crest

OK, perhaps a contemporary usage of the word "crest" as opposed to the more traditional heraldic usage, regardless, such symbolism is the heart of heraldry, and the Canadian Space Agency, even though they may not realize it, are actively practicing the spirit of heraldry through their new "crest".

This patch commemorates Canada's first long duration Expedition onboard the International Space Station (ISS). Canadian Space Agency astronaut Dr. Robert Thirsk will live and work in the Station for six months. Robert is an admirer of Pacific Northwest Indigenous art, and is honoured that Bill Helin, a renowned Tsimshian artist has accepted to portray his mission through the use of several of its mythical figures.

For more details on the story and the symbolism in the "crest", visit the Canadian Space Agency's story by clicking on the above image.

President's Message - 2009

Contemplating this issue's message, I pondered on what might be considered significant anniversaries for 2009. I was unsuccessful in discovering any specifically heraldic anniversaries, but did recall some which, while not entirely heraldic, were significant from a human perspective and in demonstrating how symbolism plays an important part in our lives.

As a great admirer since my childhood of NASA and its programs, I have a great interest in the first one. This year will mark 40 years since the first lunar landing by Apollo 11 on July 24, 1969. Each NASA mission is identified by a special “crest” (their term) symbolizing its various concepts and attributes – in the case of the Apollo 11, the “crest” shows the American eagle landing on the surface of the moon with the olive branch of peace clenched in its talons. I remember it as one of the rare times when the entire planet was in sync with a significant human accomplishment. Continuing with the space exploration theme, a worthy acknowledgement is this year marks the 20th anniversary of the formation of the Canadian Space Agency or CSA. Interestingly, unlike NASA, the CSA had petitioned for a grant of arms which were granted by the Canadian Heraldic Authority on July 25, 1991. The arms are depicted below right.

For the Scots out there (and for the rest of us who wish we were), this year marks 250 years since the birth of Robbie Burns.

From a monarchical perspective, this coming April marks the 500th anniversary of Henry VIII ascending the throne of England.

Another significant event was the dismantling of the Berlin Wall on November 9 of 1989, with 2009 marking 20 years since that historic event took place.

These anniversaries mark significant events of human history. I felt that perhaps we should also mark the achievements of the Society with the following significant events.

2009 marks the 43rd anniversary of the Society since its creation in 1966. Perhaps “43rd” doesn't have the same ring as “40th ” or “50th ” as an anniversary, but it does clearly indicate the long history and the viability of the Society, especially in surviving the dramatic cultural and political changes that have occurred during the years since its birth. I am pleased and honoured to be President of such a longstanding, credible and viable organization.
Our journal Heraldry in Canada also marks its 43rd anniversary, having been published first in September of 1966. Its first issue consisted of two double-sided 8½ x 11 sheets and contained five black-and-white illustrations of Provincial Arms, a list of thirty-two Society members and four or five articles. The editor was probably our Society’s founder, Allan Beddoe, O.B.E. Another significant anniversary for 2009 is the 19th for our newsletter Gonfanon, first produced in December 1990, with editor Daniel Cogné and associate editor John Kennedy. (Thanks to John Wilkes for providing these historical details).

On the subject of the Society’s traditions, it should be noted that a new one was established at the recent AGM in Montreal. This was the bearing in of the mace by Nemo Turner, our very own mace-bearer. I was surprised to learn of the extensive history and significance of this ceremony, and am pleased that Nemo has volunteered to fill this new position. I felt that the ceremony of the mace enhanced the “feel” of the AGM and look forward to the ceremony again at future meetings of the Society. Speaking of AGM’s, mark on your calendars:- October 2-4, 2009 at the Toronto Arts & Letters Club as the next AGM.

I was pleased to learn that the BC/Yukon Branch had put on a successful and well-attended formal dinner at the Oceanfront Grand Resort, Victoria, having as special guests the Hon. Steven L. Point, OBC, Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia and his wife, the Hon. Mrs Gwendolyn Point.
In December the Toronto Branch held their fifth annual Christmas Dinner at the Royal Canadian Military Institute, having as its special guest heraldic artist Karen Bailey. She delivered a fascinating account of her experiences as a Canadian Army artist in Kandahar, leaving her with unforgettable images to put onto canvas. Her artwork will be put on display at a planned exhibition this year or in 2010. Dr. Claire Boudreau, Chief Herald of Canada also attended the dinner, which was a thoroughly enjoyable affair. These local events are extremely important to ensure that the Society remains relevant by enhancing its ability to “reach out” to members and non-members alike.

In closing, I look forward to the events scheduled for 2009 and to the creativity that goes behind the planning and organizing of these occasions. I look forward also to working with the Executive and facing the numerous challenges ahead, and to finding new, creative and pragmatic solutions that will further the mission of the Society.

By David M. Cvet

Toronto Branch 5th annual Christmas Dinner

The Toronto Branch of the Royal Heraldry Society of Canada hosted its 5th annual Christmas Dinner at the Royal Canadian Military Institute located on University Avenue, Toronto. The dinner was well attended and had as special guest and speaker, artist Karen Bailey.

L-R: Dr. Claire Boudreau, Society President David M. Cvet, Ms. Karen Bailey, Mr. Neil Fraser

Her artist career began as a heraldic artist, and later was appointed military artist. She had traveled to Afghanistan in June 2007 to document military medical personnel at the Role 3 Hospital in Kandahar. Her presentation at the dinner include numerous photographs of her travel and experiences at the Hospital, many of which were poignant, dramatically conveying the significant challenges faced by not only the staff of the Hospital, but by the Canadian military and the local civilians requiring care.

The dinner was also attended by Dr. Claire Boudreau, Chief Herald of Canada.

L-R: Toronto Branch President Ilona Jurkiewicz and Chief Herald of Canada, Dr. Claire Boudreau

Thanks to Marie Fraser for the photographs.

Good Knight Children, Take two....

The Hospital for Sick Children has developed programs designed to elevate their patients' sense of well being and emotional health through almost daily presentations. Such presentations are donated by individuals and by organizations such as Mickey Mouse and Mini Mouse from Disney, local magicians, clowns and so on, with the intent of making the children forget for a few moments that that they are in a hospital. Caron Mills, a Child Life Specialist, has organized this and other presentations for the hospital. David M. Cvet of the Academy of European Medieval Martial Arts or AEMMA delivered a second presentation this year on Wednesday morning, November 19th on "How a man shall be armed in the 14th century". The presentation was done with the assistance of two students of the Academy, Russ Howe and Adam Trumpour. The venue of the presentation was the Hospital's "Bear Theatre" on the 4th floor, and was broadcast to all of the room occupied by children who were unable to leave their room for medical reasons.

L-R: Russ Howe, David M. Cvet, Caron Mills, Adam Trumpour

At 11:00am, at the conclusion of the presentation, the children were invited to enter the Bear Theatre to experience a second presentation, this time on heraldry. David, donning his Royal Heraldry Society of Canada's hat, along with RHSC member Russ Howe, enlightened the children with the spectacle of heraldry, using wooden shields painted with his own and Russ's arms. The children were provided with dozens of blank shields and with copies of the colourful charges available on the RHSC website. The Hospital provided colouring markers, and many pages of "stickies" which the kids used to create their own personal coats of arms.

The names of each of the children were written onto small pieces of paper, and tossed into David's helm for a draw for a prize - a blank wooden shield give to the winner. A young man called Damien won the shield and his smile lit up the room.

The children had a fantastic time, and their smiles were bright despite being patients in the hospital. The Academy of European Medieval Martial Arts and the Royal Heraldry Society of Canada wish to thank the Hospital for Sick Children for allowing us the opportunity to create moments of joy and fun for the kids, and look forward towards "take three...", hopefully in early 2009.

RHSC in Ljubljana, Slovenia

The Society's president, David M. Cvet was visited Slovenia between October 7 - 21, visiting family & friends, participated in a historical fencing workshop, and delivered a presentation on Canadian and Slovenian heraldry in Ljubljana, the evening of October 14th. The lecture was organized by the Slovensko rodoslovno društvo (Slovenian Genealogy Society) and held at the Svetovni slovenski kongres (Slovenian World Congress Centre) on Cankarjeva Ulica in Ljubljana. The evening began with a heraldry display, comprised of depictions of municipal arms (click on image above to view larger of the same - L-R: dr. Vladimir Žumer, Peter Hawlina (President of Slovensko rodoslovno društvo and organizer of the presentation, David, Mr. Sergij Pelhan, former Minister for Culture and past-Mayor of Gorica, presently President of Slovenian Emigrants Association - a host of the exhibition), and a colourful display on the specifics of the design and tinctures of the Slovenian national flag. The display included details on the procedure for petitioning arms to the Canadian Heraldic Authority, details provided by David including sample images of his personal Letters Patent. A number of important people gave a short talk on the state of heraldy in Slovenia, including dr. Vladimir Žumer, former Head of State Archive of Slovenia, now President of the newly formed Komisija za presojo javnih simbolov, grbov, zastav, pečatov, žigov in štampiljk (Commission for Public Symbol, Coat of Arms, Flag, Seal and Stamp Judgment) which exists within the department of the State Archives.

David's presentation after this display followed dr. Angelika Hribar's lecture on Slovenian genealogy along with her new book on the subject. David's presentation was a brief introduction to Canadian heraldry, describing the role of the Society in Canadian heraldry, and the role of the Canadian Heraldic Authority. The presentation included an overview of how one petitions for arms in Canada, and how this process is handled in the College of Arms. Further details were offered on the procedure for registration of arms in the USA. The presentation concluded with some details on the developments of heraldry in Slovenia, and the need to standardize on the nomenclature utilized in blazon. Much discussion has occurred in the heraldic circles in Slovenia as to whether or not to incorporate the Norman nomenclature in Slovenian blazonry or follow a similar approach as the German blazonry using German terminology to substitue Norman nomenclature using Slovenian counterparts to substitue Norman nomenclature.

It is evident that the interest and activities in the resurrection and practice of Slovenian heraldry is on the rise, and the country has taken steps to implement some structure in the practice of heraldry, with the first step of the creation of a new Commission to review all municipal arms (click on the image of the municipal arms on the left to view a larger image of the same), and have them conform to heraldic rules. The Commission will in the future, expand to include the registration of personal arms in the future. The Commission along with private individual's working towards the promotion and education of Slovenian heraldry through websites such as Slovenska heraldika will hopefully, raise the level of the practice of heraldry to a similar level as other heraldic nations.

Society's New President

On October 4th, the Society elected its twenty-third president, David M. Cvet. David (whose surname, for the uninitiated, is pronounced Ss-vet) was born in 1955 in Welland, Ontario, his background being Slovenian. He attended the University of Toronto, receiving a B.Sc. degree in biochemistry/genetics and computer science. His initial employment took him into the biology area, with six years of diabetes research at the Banting & Best Institute, but he subsequently concentrated on the computer-science field, with a career in Information Technology (IT) spanning the years between the mainframe, super-computer era and today’s PC’s. During his career he ultimately achieved positions as Chief Technology Officer for a number of technology companies.

On his entry to the RHSC, David’s ancient and modern skills coalesced to the Society’s enormous advantage. He immediately took on the role of webmaster and completely redesigned its website to the form in which it is seen today – arguably one of the best heraldic websites in the world. Not satisfied with using his technical skills to further heraldry, David has determined to improve his own heraldic knowledge by enrolling in the Society’s Heraldry Proficiency course and passing the first stage of the process to a Licentiate of the RHSC. He became for a time president of the Toronto Branch and has now progressed to the presidency of the national society. The Society is indeed fortunate in its new president.