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- |