As usual, a full but varied programme was presented at this
week’s meeting of the Pattaya City Expats Club (PCEC) on Sunday February 14th at
Henry J. Bean’s restaurant.
The morning got underway with the week’s MC Richard
Silverberg welcoming a large number of first time attendees at the Sunday
morning meeting. It was noticeable that they originated from a wide range of
countries.
Long time PCEC member Tony Heron shares with the audience his extensive knowledge of the fur trade and the characteristics of the various furs.
Richard continued the meeting by introducing the actors of NY
/ LA Productions. Their current production is the curiously named ‘The Complete
Works of William Shakespeare’. For those not entirely familiar with the work of
the Bard, the group proceeded to perform a breathtaking version of Hamlet in 45
seconds! This feat was then topped by the repetition of the ‘play’ but this time
in reverse! The production is currently being performed at the Tuxedo Magic
Theatre in North Pattaya until February 28.
The PCEC actively encourages speakers from the membership and
this week was no exception. Long time member Tony Heron provided a comprehensive
account of his career in the fur trade.
Following his early interest in mink farming Tony joined the
Hudson’s Bay Fur Company. One of their products being the pointed blankets that
were first made in 1780, and used to trade in exchange for raw furs.
Nathan Russo advise members of the activities of his special interest group, the Blue Water Sailing Club.
The cost of this well crafted blanket has grown immensely
over the years. In 1800, a pair of four point blankets sold for two pounds
sterling, which was then about 10 US dollars. In the 1930’s, a pair of four
point blankets cost $22 Canadian and by the 1950’s the cost was $25 Canadian for
a single blanket. Today one four point blanket will cost about $400 Canadian and
is roughly the size of a double bed. Tony showed an example of a 4 point blanket
which he gave to his late parents for Christmas in 1966. It was still in
excellent condition.
He went on to describe how his career developed at the centre
of the fur trade in Frankfurt in both sales and production which inevitably
involved a large amount of travel to fur auctions and exhibitions.
Tony provided detailed accounts of the various sources of
fur, some of which are farmed, like mink and chinchilla, and others which are to
be found in the wild such as beaver, muskrat, raccoon and red fox. He also
described the most expensive and exotic fur, that being Russian sable, which can
command extremely high prices at auction.
Actors of NY / LA Productions show their current production,
‘The Complete Works of William Shakespeare’. This scene is from
‘Hamlet’ - in 45
seconds! They are playing at Tuxedo Magic Theatre,
near Pattaya Bus Station on
North Pattaya Road.
The subject of the fur trade can attract a fair amount of
controversy and subsequently a lively question and answer session followed.
A large number of further announcements were made regarding
the Special Interest Groups which were a good indication of the varied
activities which take place away from the regular Sunday meeting. For example,
the regular monthly and ever popular Club Dinner took place at the Scandinavian
Beach Club just off Pattaya Beach Road on Thursday, February 18.
For those on a limited budget and with more basic tastes, the
Frugal Freddie Club dined at the Seaside Two restaurant on Monday 15 February.
The aficionados of the Frugal Freddie club continually seek out inexpensive but
good value dining experiences.
The Blue Water Sailing Club will be organising a trip to Koh
Chang in early April.
The Chinese New Year celebrations were underway and the
procession ending at Bali Hai pier was recommended as a spectacle.
The regular Open Forum was then underway led by Les Edmonds.
As always it provided an opportunity for questions about living in Thailand with
an emphasis on Pattaya to be asked. The Open Forum again proved to be the usual
lively and entertaining session.
For more information regarding, not only PCEC Sunday meetings
but also the varied mid week activities, please see the Community Happenings
section of Pattaya Mail or, for more details, visit the Club’s website at
pattaya cityexpatsclub.com.
Deputy Mayor Verawat Khakhay announces plans for next month’s Pattaya International Music Festival.
Father Larry Patin CssR