Chantry Island Cham-bettes President, Sandy Howcroft (L) stands with Jane Johnston, one of the five remaining original members from 1956.

Hub Staff

Six decades of Chantry Island Cham-bettes gathered together at the Bruce County Museum & Cultural Centre in Southampton on June 12 to celebrate their 60th diamond Anniversary.

The women's service group began in 1956 as a Southampton Chamber of Commerce group called the Jaycettes, who, having to reinvent themselves in 1961, became the Cham-bettes. With over 50 members currently, a total of 283 women have been initiated into the club over the last 60 years.

Boards and albums full of photos and articles from past events and fundraisers over the years were on display as a reminder of the Cham-bettes’ involvement in the community and the money they have raised for local causes, including, to name a few, Marine Heritage, various school projects, the Women's House and the over $50,000 to Saugeen Memorial Hospital.

“It’s been a great club and I've met a lot of amazing ladies in those years,” said the 60th and current President, Sandy Howcroft, who has been a member for over 25 years. Howcroft said that they have had a lot of new members join the club over the last few years and at the same time have members who have just celebrated their 25th, 35th and 40th year with the club.

“Originally back in the day you had to live in Southampton to be a Cham-bette,” said 25 year Cham-bette veteran, Martha Bennett. “Then as the town amalgamated the rules changed.” She continued, “It’s not like a group where you're obligated to do anything. You can just come out to meetings in our little club if you want and so you can get involved as you want or not at all.”

Bennett spoke of Southampton resident Mike Sterling, one of the guest speakers. “Mike Sterling was the gentleman that had the vision for the restoration of the lighthouse keeper’s cottage on the island,” she explained. “He arrived about 20 years ago with a little model for the club and invited us to be part of his vision.” Bennett added that the Chantry Island Cham-bettes Annual Island Sleepover originated from a story that Sterling had told them of him getting stranded on the island during a storm and spending the night in the lighthouse.

“We've been doing a sleepover for 10 years now,” said Bennett, adding that the Cham-bettes always make a commitment of at least $1,000 towards Marine Heritage from the sleepover.

In his speech, Sterling gave praise to the Cham-bettes. “Thank you for everything you've done, all the contributions you've made in terms of women power and in terms of energy and kindness.”

Saugeen Shores Mayor Mike Smith congratulated the Cham-bettes on their 60 years and said that they do a lot of great things for the community and have fun doing it. “I admire you for that because that's what living in Saugeen Shores is all about. It’s a great community and it’s a great community because of the people here,” said Smith.

Cham-bettes Martha Bennett (L) and Sandy Howcroft stand with guest speaker Mike Sterling at their 60th Aniversary celebration.

Cham-bettes Vice President Connie Moss stands with guest speaker, Saugeen Shores Mayor Mike Smith at the Bruce County Museum & Cultural Centre, June 12.

Chantry Island Cham-bettes alumni ladies (L-R) Holly McLay, who was initiated in 1968, Ann Nichol, initiated in 1985, Marnie Cammidge, initiated in 1970 and June Fotherby, initiated in 1968.

Taken in 1956, formerly the Jaycettes, the group became the Cham-bettes. Front row (L-R) Jennie Friday, Elizabeth MacKay, Vivian Matheson, Dorothy Wilkie; back row (L-R) Maureen Maundrell, Ruth Johnson, Peggy Bleich, Jean Gateman, Jane Johnson, Mildred Fowler, Jean Rogers, Marg Eagleson.