Keeping up with the Bonsall Woman’s Club

The Bonsall Woman’s Club (BWC) had a New Member’s Luncheon at the home of membership chair, Arlene Rutherford, on Jan. 21.

After a scrumptious lunch, provided by BWC Board members, the new members engaged in various conversations about the club. In addition to the exchanges, it gave everyone a chance to learn more about each other, the BWC Board and the club.

Pat Harvey gave a presentation about the General Federation of Women’s Club (GFWC)/California Federation of Women’s Clubs (CFWC). Pat is the Communications and Public Relations Chairman for CFWC.

Representatives then spoke about certain areas of interest in the club: Antique Study, Writers’ Group, Conservation, Book Club, Crafts, and Chorus.

Genesis of the Bonsall Woman’s Club 

Bonsai School House.

BWC evolved from a bridge group.

Its founder, LaVerne Conrad, moved to Bonsall in the 1970’s from the San Fernando Valley. Having been a member of the North Hollywood Woman’s Club for many years, she also served as its president.

Naturally, Mrs. Conrad searched for a woman’s Club in the area. She soon joined the Vista Women’s Club. She also associated with several ladies in the Bonsall area playing, and teaching the game of bridge.

From that bridge group, the ladies decided they should have their own club. An ad was placed in the newspaper to see if there was enough interest to have their own club. Twenty-two ladies showed up at the little Bonsall School House — now a historic landmark — on Jan. 16, 1980 for the sole purpose of forming the BWC.

Each of the ladies filled the many and varied positions required for the club’s formation. Under Mrs. Conrad’s guidance, the club became a member of the CFWC on Feb. 15, 1980 and the GFWC.

Combined, the CFWC and GFWC comprise one of the largest, and most effective, international organizations of women in the world promoting education, civic, welfare and social work. These groups also work closely with and are part of the similarly named International Women’s Club organization.

Bonsall Woman’s Club founder Laverne Conrad, one of whose other claims to fame includes daughter Gail Golden.

BWC has always had a 501(c)3 charitable designation. Over the years, many different activities — the Western Barbecue, Fashion Show, and Christmas Tea — have been held to raise funds for distribution to local charities.

Individual sections allow ladies with similar interests to meet separately from the BWC monthly meeting. For example, BWC has a Book Club, Writer’s Group, Antique Group, Crafts Group, Chorus, etc.

Membership is made up of ladies from all over North County San Diego and South Riverside counties.  From the beginning, the ladies of the BWC have worked tirelessly to raise money to improve the health and welfare of the local area.

Current membership totals 115. BWC is a 501(c)3 charity. The club meets the first Thursday of the month at The Golf Club of California, located at 3742 Flowerwood Lane (formerly the Sycamore Ranch) in Fallbrook. The social hour begins at 9 a.m. with the business-portion, program at 10 a.m. followed by lunch, which costs $20. That price includes tax and tip.

Checks may be mailed to Jeannie Allen at 73 Via Larga Vista, Bonsall, CA 92003. She also can be contacted at (760) 295-6618. For more about BWC, visit www.bonsallwomansclub.org.