A History of SWANS

Who are we and why are we called SWANS? SWANS stands for Saanich Women’s Active NewcomerS.

SWANS was formed in August 2002 as a third group to accept the graduates of the Saanich Newcomer’s Club (SNC). The other two groups were the Saanich Newcomer’s Alumnae Club (SNAC) and GRADS. There were close to 80 members that first year. Initially we met for luncheons on the fourth Wednesday of the month at the Princess Mary Restaurant, which was a Victoria landmark and is no longer standing. We then moved to the Royal Colwood Golf Club, where the beautiful scenery, accommodating staff and delicious buffet have kept us since 2007.

As SNC was such a successful club, SWANS adopted the same format for their Policies and Procedures, as well as the activities that were offered. Over the years, SWANS participated with both SNAC and GRADS in certain activities.

We have maintained the practice of assigned seating and round tables at our luncheons to foster friendship and communication. All our interest groups are managed by volunteer convenors, although, where applicable (for example, the walking group), members take turns organizing the events. 

There have been many changes over the years: SNC was renamed Newcomers’ Club of Greater Victoria (NCGV) to better reflect the membership; SNAC closed in 2018 as their membership was too small to remain viable; GRADS closed in 2021 as a result of COVID; the membership of SWANS increased to a high of 268 in 2014 and then slowly decreased to approximately 200 in 2021-2022, the 20th anniversary of the Club; the SWANS’ website was started in 2017 for membership renewals, luncheon bookings and club information.

During the COVID shutdown (March 2020 – December 2021), SWANS remained somewhat active. Several interest groups continued to meet, outside and in a safe manner; the President sent out monthly messages to the membership; the Executive held Zoom meetings and membership renewals continued without fees.

The first luncheon during COVID was held December 2021, but we were not back on schedule until March 2022 when we celebrated our 20th anniversary in person. SWANS continued as normal in the 2022-2023 year with eight luncheons from August to May.

As of 2022-2023, SWANS’ interest groups have been able to participate with the Victoria Region Men’s and Newcomers Club (VRMNC) and NCGV in shared activities provided there is a convener from each group. SWANS is now open to the members of NCGV, the Victoria Evening Newcomers’ Club (VENC) and the Newcomers of Victoria Alumnae (NOVA). As of 2024-2025, membership was opened to other interested women in the Greater Victoria community, at the discretion of the Executive.