Limited edition for club members

Just prior to the Bachman's Gathering I was fortunate to be asked to attend the National Council of Clubs Social held in the Dept 56 show room on Wednesday evening. As with all Dept 56 functions it was well planned, and in its own way should be called a Gala. The food was fantastic. Especially the seafood, it was fresh, sumptuous and beautifully prepared. Example: Large shrimp stuffed with a seasoned cream cheese and Chinese pea pod, with a delightfully light tasting crab mixture. Even the liquid refreshments were not pompous, wine, beer, and soft drinks were readily available. The whole atmosphere at Dept 56 was just plain down to earth, and friendly. Many employees were made available and were as always friendly and helpful.

As always at the top of the list was Judith Price, those of you that have met her, know what I mean, for those who haven't, I can only say that you have the best reason in the world to attend a gathering near you, and I promise you won't be disappointed . But at this event Judith had to share the spotlight with another women equally as friendly, a very warm and charming Susan Engles. I have always thought of her as a cold corporate, untouchable icon. I can happily confess now I have been wrong at least once in my life. And if you should have the opportunity to meet her don't miss out.

Susan Engles was there to unveil a new-lighted house aptly named the Club House. It’s a very warm house with a white porch and a big front window with a village setting in display. A house designed, for the collectors who belong to clubs. The reason being that they are the people who through their networking, functions such as open houses during the holidays, and Gathering are a major factor in the success of Department 56. The job of seeing that they reach club members has been given to the National Council of Clubs and rightly so. It will not be available to dealers. If your club is not a member, contact them anyway, as membership to the N.C.C. is not the criteria. I do think that each club should take a real hard look at joining the N.C.C. as it really is in our own interests as collectors. Collectively we will be heard

The cost of the Club House will be, yep you guessed it, $56.00 plus $3.00 shipping. The Club House will then be mailed directly to the club members by Dept 56. It has matte finish and it will need little if any imagination to display it. Below are links to Photos of the Club House and the presentation.