The Scarborough Mirror

Olga and Christopher Juchniewica, our neighbours, issued the invitation. Their daughter Ludwika was to be the bride of Patrick Forster, an Aussie who had fallen under the spell of a decidedly beautiful blonde who's IQ is more than a match for most. Their love story is one that is literally intercontinental and developed in the far corners of Europe.

The tough part in accepting the invitation was to decide on a suitable gift, in that the loving couple already had purchased a home, had cars and such. A toaster, blender or similar choice was unsuitable. So, too, was a selection of Don Ho's love song albums.

The fact the reception was to be held at the famous Scarboro Golf and Country Club was another incentive for me to attend. More than a few years have elapsed since I caddied there, but I still retain certain proprietary feelings. Most who caddied on those long, rolling green fairways share that thought.

In those days, Scarborough Golf Club Road was just gravel and two lanes. The club, on the other hand, was the largest. most magnificent building and property to be found in fledgling Scarborough, other than Kingston Road's Scarborough Hunt Club.

I longed to show my wife the clubhouse, grounds, the amazing curling rink where many borough residents share their days slipping and sliding around throwing rocks and sweeping until their arms want to fall off.

On the appointed day, nature co-operated and the assembled guests gathered under cloudless skies. Christopher and Olga had left nothing undone. This was to be their daughter's day! At a pre-reception gathering at their home, the guests from Australia, Patrick's family, declared the event "fair dinkum!"

There is something exciting and a touch mischievous about wandering around a place such as the golf club's main building and curling rink. The curling aspect did not come into being until 1956 when the club's board considered a proposal that such a facility be built as a part of the property.

But it was not until Cecil Howard, a Beach businessman brought an improved scheme and Bill Worrall of Leamil Construction Company, promised to build it at an affordable price with completion in November of 1957, did the project get underway.

Since its completion many have enjoyed the sport and even golfers find the off-season activity much to their liking. This makes the club an all-season facility.

After my wife and I had wandered throughout the building, me playing the guide, we joined the gathering wedding party for the festivities. We ate like kings, drank and made merry while many tried to keep the newlyweds busy kissing. That glass tinkling can be annoying.

Of course, there was dancing following the cutting of the cake and toast. And, of course, beaming faces, happy comments and cheerful dispositions prevailed.

Why not! It is seldom one happens upon a happier, more in love couple and is invited to share their joy.

All is back to normal now in our neighbourhood. Olga and Christopher are busy preparing their grounds for winter and savouring the last days of summer.

The wedding photos have not been made available for perusal as yet, but that does not matter. All have our mental images of the day and they are rich.

What a smart thing to include the golf club in the festivities.