Sometimes you want to go where everybody knows your name. For more than 100 Winnipeggers, that place is the University Women’s Club.
“From the day I walked in, I felt welcomed,” says Sue Bishop, who joined 10 years ago. “It’s a good place to be.”
Founded in 1909, the club encourages its members to live their best lives through social activities, continuing education and volunteering. The club is headquartered in Ralph Connor House, the 110-year-old riverside mansion located at 54 West Gate in Armstrong’s Point.
Carolynne Presser (centre) with Dianne Beaven (left) and Sue Bishop are volunteers from the University Women’s Club, which was founded in 1909
“It’s a place where you can come meet like-minded women, most of whom are retired and looking for something to do to keep the brain going,” says Carolynne Presser, a member since 2009.
To that end, members enjoy programs on art history, music appreciation, literature and wine tasting. They also tackle topics such as climate change, violence against women and elder rights.
“But mainly the club is really for women who are looking to contribute in some way to the community or their own well-being, and who want to find friendship,” Presser says.
Members enjoy meals, casual coffee gatherings, games and book clubs at the house.
The club’s volunteer work includes promoting and fostering education for female students by awarding $18,000 in scholarships annually.
Club members also work alongside their sister organization, Friends of the Ralph Connor House; the Friends own and maintain the three-storey building, which has city, provincial and national historic site designations.
Dianne Beaven fell in love with the house as soon as she joined the club 12 years ago.
“I just feel so comfortable here,” she says. “I grew up in an older house in Crescentwood, so when I stepped into this house, it was like I’d come into a second home.”
While the club counts many former teachers and nurses among its ranks, members come from all sorts of backgrounds.
Presser was raised in New York City; she moved to Winnipeg in 1990 and was director of libraries at the University of Manitoba prior to her retirement.
Bishop was a legislative librarian and Beaven was the executive director at a non-profit dedicated to environmental education.
For Presser, the club has become an important social outlet.
“I get to meet people I normally wouldn’t and enjoy making new friends,” she says.
The club is inviting the public to visit Ralph Connor House for a few special events in the coming weeks.
On Oct. 5 and 6, the club will host an afternoon tea fundraiser, featuring a display of vintage hats from the Costume Museum of Canada. Entry is $75 per person and spots must be reserved.
Doors will open at 1 p.m., with tea service beginning at 1:30 p.m. The money raised will help maintain the house.
On Nov. 1 and 2, the club will host its 42nd annual Christmas market that will feature three floors of crafts, giftware and baking from a variety of vendors. Admission is $4.
Additionally, the club invites women of all ages to consider joining its ranks.
For membership details or to learn more about upcoming events, call 204-954-7880 or visit uwcwpgmb.com.
If you know a special volunteer, email [email protected].
Aaron Epp
Reporter
Aaron Epp reports on business for the Free Press. After freelancing for the paper for a decade, he joined the staff full-time in 2024. He was previously the associate editor at Canadian Mennonite. Read more about Aaron.
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