History of the Avalon Squadron

Taken from the First Annual General Meeting of Avalon Squadron, Canadian Power and Sail

The impetus to form the Avalon Squadron came from George and Bertha Hillyard, long standing members of CPS. Together they organized the first boating course in the fall of 1989 and continued their drive to the organizational meeting and election of officers in September of 1990.

On April 4, 1991, Chief Commander Ron Watkins and Atlantic District Commander Mary Ridgewell were in St. John’s to present the new Avalon Squadron with its warrant. The warrant was officially issued on October 25, 1990. The formation of this first squadron in Newfoundland provided CPS with squadrons in all 10 Provinces and the Northwest Territories. The ceremony was held at the Sergeants Mess, Canadian Forces Station, St. John’s. In the absence of the Squadron Commander (elect) Eric Hiscock, the warrant was received by Executive Officer Ralph Barrett and the new bridge was pledged in.

On April 4, 1991, Chief Commander Ron Watkins and Atlantic District Commander Mary Ridgewell were in St. John’s to present the new Avalon Squadron with its warrant. The warrant was officially issued on October 25, 1990. The formation of this first squadron in Newfoundland provided CPS with squadrons in all 10 Provinces and the Northwest Territories. The ceremony was held at the Sergeants Mess, Canadian Forces Station, St. John’s. In the absence of the Squadron Commander (elect) Eric Hiscock, the warrant was received by Executive Officer Ralph Barrett and the new bridge was pledged in.

 

The Commanders

Name Term Status Comments
Eric Hiscock 1990-1991 Deceased Eric was elected but did not serve. Ralph Barrett was acting commander in his place
Ralph Barrett 1991-1994 Deceased Avalon Squadron’s first CPS Life Member 2011
Keith Noel 1994-1995 Life member Awarded Life member, May 2012
Dr. Guy Hogan 1995-1997 Deceased
Robin Cook 1997-1999 Deceased
Elaine Bursey 1999-2001
Bill Peddle 2001-2003 Deceased
John Coleman 2003-2005 Life member
Gary Case 2005-2008 Life member
Len Furlong 2008-2011 Life member
Kevin Jones 2011-2013
Kris Drodge 2013-2015
Jennifer Mills 2015-2017
Gary Case 2017-2021 Life member
Deborah Churchill 2021-2023
Rick Collins 2023-