The first bottle drive took place in summer 1999. It was the idea of a number of then-residents who thought that they should raise money to equip the Beach Club which had opened that year. Two of those residents were Warren and
Annie Muir. They are still Craig Bay residents and have the distinction of being the first residents of Arbutus Grove dating from April 1997.
Below is a photo courtesy of Warren showing the first bottle drive taking place on the lawn across the street from his residence. That is Warren with the beard.
In 1999, there were less than 120 houses existing in Craig Bay. The first 11 houses in Seaside Village were built in 2001.
By 2004, George and Pat Furniss took over coordination of the bottle drives. George handled the money and for a time, Pat did all the baking for the after-drive get together. Both volunteered each month until into their 80s.
In 2011, Brent McGowan took over the coordination of the bottle drive and the baking became a multi-person event. Brent and Barb moved over the fence to Parkhurst in 2020 just in time to avoid the effects of the Covid pandemic and left the coordination in my hands with Jackie Taylor organizing the baking group.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the volunteers who come month after month – some for 15 years and to the newer arrivals who have swelled the ranks making the task much easier.
Incidentally, the group that came up with the idea of raising money still exists. It is known as the Social Committee.
Submitted by: Mike Taylor, Bottle Drive Coordinator
