January 2000

Auction of the Millennium? [page 1]

Well, maybe not but the Museum Committee did a stellar job selecting items to go under the gavel. The stand room audience in the Dining Room raised almost $9,000 for the Institute. Now that we turned the century, purchasers will know that all their items from a shillelagh, through water bottles, to deactivated weapons are Y2K compliant

RCMI member Kim Hunter with his purchase of a n 1813 French Army pistol.	Armed to the teeth for a second year in a row is guest Ian Wilson with purchases of a 50 caliber Trent revolver, and a Martini Henry Mark 3.	Auctioneer LCol Bruce Savage models the hat that is up for bids along with a shillelagh.

Bruce and Diane Finch not only had the winning bid for the RCMI frying pan, they got a chollesterol-free rubber chicken as well.	Lt Bill Symth, Chairman of the Museum Committee, assists Stephanie Black as she draws the winning ticket for the sterling silver snuff box set.

Who Done It? [page 3]

Over 50 members and guest took part a Murder Mystery Extravaganza Dinner investigating the "The Lawrence Case". The Dining Room and the Library took on the look of a casting call for a David Lean epic as the majority of the audience took up the challenge, and dressed up in period costumes. The evening's events started with a reception in the Library, were the scene was set by Master of Ceremonies, 2Lt David McDonald. Then everyone repaired to the Dinning Room were five RCMI members and guests played the parts key characters. Also in period dress, they spin doctored their views as how Lawrence met his demise. It soon became evident each of them had a specific agenda.

The first character was a Charlotte Shaw, the wife of Bernard Shaw, played by guest Susan Hodgson. It appears the Shaws were friends of Lawrence, and gave him the motorcycle he parted company with at the time his death. Next was a Royal Army Ordinance Corp soldier, a Cpl Frank Catchpole, the person who purportedly witnessed the accident, he was played by member Mr Derek Mooney. He ended his military career by committing suicide in Egypt a few years later. The Cpl was followed by a Col Edouard Brémond, the Military Attaché at the French Embassy in London, he was represented by member Lt Anthony Hopkins. Col Brémond espoused a British plot to kill Lawrence. Member Capt David Huggins played the part of Rt. Hon. Sir John Gilmour, British Home Secretary. He was responsible for MI5, and was not unduly upset by Lawrence's sudden demise. A rather disgruntled Abdullah, Emir of Transjordania, played by guest MWO Karen Platt, a person who thought he would have been King, if it had not been for Lawrence. The Emir appeared to have salvia problem, because he could not mention Lawrence's name without having to spit.

Between courses the characters visited audiences tables to answer questions and press their case. Then using the ballots provided, the audience then voted. While the ballots were being counted a belly dancer wearing a head dress of lit candles performed on the dance floor. Part way through her act she corralled individual members of the audience to join her. This was followed by four every versatile ladies with vales. After the entertainment the results of the audience vote was announced, and overwhelming verdict was …. the Brits did it!!!

After the formal part of the evening, the majority of the audience descended on the Long Bar to dissect and to rehash the salient points of the evidence presented. Nobody could argue that it was not an evening well spent, and without exception everyone agreed, we must do this again!

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