02/16/2025
🌟 Royal Oak Historical Association Faces Uncertain Future 🌟
With each passing year, changing demographics are putting more pressure on just about every other local history or genealogy group on Vancouver Island.
This Thursday, Barb Handysides will open the monthly meeting of the Royal Oak Historical Association (ROHA), where members and the guest speaker will once again share stories of the early years of the area. For the past 13 years, ROHA has been the heart of local history, but changing demographics are putting pressure on the association.
Many of the founding members are in their 80s, and while a few younger members have joined, the group is struggling to stay active. Without fresh energy, ROHA faces the risk of closing its doors. But as Handysides says, the dedicated members are committed to keeping the association going with a full calendar of events in 2025.
When ROHA was founded, its focus was on Royal Oak, but over the years, its scope has expanded to include surrounding areas like Cordova Bay, Gordon Head, Prospect Lake, and Central Saanich—together known as Greater Royal Oak.
If ROHA were to fold, a wealth of local historical knowledge would be lost. Through the years, members have swapped stories, adding personal details and context that make the history of the area come alive. Handysides, who grew up on Glanford Avenue, wishes she had asked her parents more questions about the past before it was too late.
As president, Handysides is determined to keep the association alive. While attendance at monthly meetings averages 25-30 people, the group has 110 members on its mailing list. For many, the meetings are an important way to stay active and socialize.
Unfortunately, ROHA isn’t alone. Historical and genealogical groups across Vancouver Island—and beyond—are facing the same issue: an aging membership and fewer younger people getting involved. The challenge is twofold: attracting younger members and encouraging them to step into leadership roles.
If history groups like ROHA fade away, much of the local knowledge will disappear with them.
