The Haviland at Farringford House
The premier Social gathering place of Charlottetown
New Members Information Booklet
Introduction
Welcome to the Haviland at Farringford House. We are located in what was originally a private Mansion built in 1869 for the widow Esther Lowden and her three daughters, Dorothy, Alice and Georgina. Esther named her home Farringford after the home of Alfred Lord Tennyson on the Isle of Wight.
Since 1997 the Haviland has operated as a social community hub in Charlottetown and is open to all people. Our membership is very diverse, inclusive and multicultural with people from varied backgrounds, from all over Canada and the world, this is who we are.
Our goal is to foster among the membership fun and relaxing varied activities, focusing on enjoyment.
There is a lot to do at the Haviland and our success depends on all of us as Members.
The Haviland is a Non-profit social Organization which is operated for the benefit of all Members and is open to the community as a rental space.
Location
The Haviland is located at 2 Haviland Street at the corner with Water Street.
Our postal code is: C1A 3S6
Phone number; 902 894-4421
Email address: thehavilandclub@gmail.com
Website address: Havilandclub.com
Our Manager: Susan MacDonald - 902-218-2340
The Haviland Bylaws
It is important for all new members to read the Haviland Bylaws and use them as a reference. This will give you a good understanding of how we function and what Members are responsible for. The Bylaws cover a broad range of topics. You can find the Haviland Bylaws on our Website under the tab Membership. <READ THE BYLAWS>
Rentals at the Haviland
Members can rent a room for a private function at a preferential rate. However, you must be a member for a full 12 months before accessing this benefit.
The Haviland Executive
Please note our Fiscal/Membership year runs from 1 October to 30 September.
The Executive meets Monthly and Members can attend meetings if they so wish but only as observers.
The Executive manages the Haviland on behalf of the Members. We have several Committees with specific responsibilities. All report to the President.
Our Annual General Meeting is in early November. Membership must be renewed prior to the AGM. Only members in good standing can attend, ask questions of the Executive and vote on motions. At the General Meeting we elect members to the Executive for a period of 2 years.
The Executive is composed of:
The Haviland President
The Vice-President
The Secretary of the Executive
The Haviland Treasurer
The Membership Chair
The House Chair
The Entertainment Chair
The Fundraising Chair
The Pond Chair
One Director At Large
The names of the Executive are posted on the Membership Board in the lobby.
Each Chair can create a sub-committee of Members who will help/assist them with various tasks. These positions are open to anyone who wishes to volunteer and help out. Please speak directly with the chair of each one.
Our Library (second floor)
The library has existed for many years. It was created for the members' enjoyment. In 2019, the library was completely renovated with the help of a financial donation by one member over a period of 4 months. Other volunteer members helped in the paint & detailing work. The complete book inventory was renewed. All of the work, painting and cleaning including the donation of about 400 books came from members. The library is open to members only and functions on an honour system. You can borrow a book and are asked to return the book promptly once you have read it.
Our Curator is a known Librarian and you can speak with our curator if you have questions or if you wish to donate books.
Our Newsletter, The UPDATER
All members receive weekly by email on Sunday morning the newsletter of the Haviland. It changes weekly and offers a wide array of information on what is going on each week and on upcoming events.
The various groups at the Haviland
We have numerous activities, here is a short list.
■ The Play Reading group meets once a month Wed night at 7pm
■ The Book Club, meets once a month on Tue night at 7pm
■ The Thursday Morning Coffee & Conversations always at 10:30am
■ The Walking group twice a week.
■ Meditation group meets on Tuesday evening at 7pm
■ Bridge group meets several times a week.
There is also a singing group,
Conversation chat group,
Fine wine tasting
and two gourmet groups, etc… The selection changes monthly.
All groups have a host. Some meet once a month, others weekly or more. If you are interested in joining a group, please speak with Susan, our Club Manager who will direct you to the group host or read the weekly newsletter The UPDATER. You can also start a group; all you need to do is speak with the Club Manager to reserve a time slot and then speak with the Editor of the Newsletter to publicize your new group.
Other general community activities
The Haviland has many rentals that are not Haviland activities per se, if members wish to participate, a discounted fee is offered to members. Examples:
We have 2 Bridge groups that play on Monday afternoon, Tuesdays and Thursdays evenings and Haviland members do receive a discount to play. Same for anyone who wishes to take Bridge Classes with Irene MacArthur.
■ Other events during the year and various shows also offer discounts to members.
The Entertainment Chair is always looking for volunteers to help organize/participate in an event at the Club. You are encouraged to participate.
The Garden Club operates in Spring and Summer and looks after our garden at the front and back. Donations of plants and flowers are always appreciated or working with the group in the garden. Please speak with Susan, our manager who will direct you to the host of that group or read the newsletter for all details.
Other activities during the year.
Members organize many activities during the year, from special parties, Christmas, New Year’s Eve, Annual President’s Lobster Dinner, Annual Golf Tournament, Special Comedy night and Special Dinners, BBQ’s, etc. We also have Happy Hour at the Bar every Friday come rain or shine, sleet or snow at 4:30pm. With special cocktails or your favorite drink.
Nota Bene
Members do volunteer in all activities of the Haviland to make it a success. People you see working in our activities are members like you. Our staff is very limited, and it is with the help of members that events are successful.
The Haviland Website
If it is important to read the Haviland Bylaws found in our website. It is equally important to visit our website often at - Havilandclub.com
You will find an incredible amount of information, its history and that of the Mansion and on Esther Lowden who built it as her private home.
You will also find information on rentals for parties, membership fees, rules on bringing guests, past issues of the Newsletter, Executive Committee Meeting Minutes, how to make a payment, etc. We also have information on our important patrons, like the Lieutenant Governor of PEI and other prominent citizens, with some beautiful photos.
The Bar, hours & Happy Hour
The bar is open at the following hours, (note subject to change based on activities at the Club)
Monday to Friday from 4:30pm to 10:30pm.
Happy Hour every Friday from 4:30pm to 6:30pm.
Saturday from 6:00 pm to 10pm
The Haviland is closed on Sunday
All members pay a preferential rate for all drinks.
Non-members pay regular prices drinks at the bar.