A not-very-well-kept campus secret

Tucked away in the forest near the headwaters of Bowker Creek, between the Phoenix and the Fraser buildings, is a surprisingly affordable and cozy dining room, a unique venue for meetings and celebrations of all kinds, and a favourite lunch and dinner location.

The University Club of Victoria, a low, cedar-clad West Coast building nestled in a peaceful natural settling, has been serving the campus community since 1982. Its membership, including faculty, staff and alumni, currently stands at about 1,350 and growing.

One reason for the growth is that the first year of club membership is free to faculty, staff and new grads who have not previously been members (a $180 value).

Along with the Finnerty Gardens, the University Club is a campus hotbed of matrimonial celebration, handling more than 70 weddings and 50 anniversaries a year.

And this time of the year the special member events come thick and fast at the club. Go whole hog on Dec. 10 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Holiday Season Pig Roast. At press time, there was still space for the traditional Christmas buffet luncheon on Dec. 9, from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

On Dec. 11, the children's Christmas party will feature a magician, gifts, treats, food and fun. And that evening at 6 p.m. is the holiday season dinner and dance.

Further information about these and other special events, the weekly UClub newsletter, and menu and meeting room info are all on the University Club website. http://club.uvic.ca/