Ilderton Villager
and area
July-August 2025 Issue 47
JOIN US EVERY SUNDAY
Every Sunday 9:00 am - 1:00 pm Location: Hyde Park Village Green
JUNE 29 - AUGUST 31
hydeparkbia.ca/uptown
More Information
Join us every Sunday, and discover farm fresh produce and meats, small batch, ready-to-eat sweets, handcrafted goods, and more!
B. Weldon Park in Arva. Court lines will be painted later this summer once the asphalt has cured. For baseball fans, diamonds at Poplar Hill and Komoka Parks have been updated with new backstops this spring. Splash Pads Open for the Summer Middlesex Centre splash pads in Komoka, Kilworth and Ilderton are open daily from 9 am to 9 pm. Park washrooms are also open daily. Plan your visit at middlesexcentre.ca/parks 2026 Municipal Budget Survey The budget is a key policy and planning document that outlines our priorities for municipal services, programs, and infrastructure. Setting the budget is a balancing act between often competing priorities – providing the high level of services that residents deserve and expect, versus what we can afford. As we start work on the 2026 Budget, we want to hear from you! What do you see as priorities for Middlesex Centre in 2026? Let us know by completing the Budget Survey at middlesexcentre. ca/budget-2026. If you prefer, printed copies of the survey will be available by calling the municipal office. The budget survey will be open from July 7 to August 18, 2025. Fires Don’t Take Summer Holidays As you set off on your summer adventures, remember that fires don’t take vacations. Make sure there are working smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms where you are staying, be that a vacation home, cabin, trailer, RV, or cottage. Also, make sure that you and your family have a fire escape plan. Find more safety tips at middlesexcentre.ca/firesafety
Middlesex Centre – Municipal Minute
HAVE YOUR SAY The new playground in Timberwalk Park in Ilderton is now open! Designed for fun and inclusivity, the playground offers a diverse range of physical, sensory, and social activities for all ages. Kids can explore climbers, slides, spin cups, swings, and even a giant cow climber! A big thank you to the Ilderton & District Lions for their generous donation, making this incredible play space possible. Accessible Swing at Poplar Hill Park Get outside and enjoy the Summer at Middlesex Centre Parks Middlesex Centre’s parks and open spaces offer a variety of activities for all ages, from playgrounds to disc golf to pickleball and more. Several parks have seen recent updates, just in time for the summer season. New Playground Opens at Ilderton’s Timberwalk Lions Park Poplar Hill Park now features a new wheelchair-accessible swing. This innovative design allows users to enjoy the swing without leaving their wheelchairs, making play more inclusive and joyful for everyone in our community. A big thank you to the Poplar Hill & District Lions for their championing of the project and for their generous donation to make it a reality. Basketball Courts and Ball Diamonds in Komoka Komoka Park is home to a new basketball court thanks to a donation from Middlesex Paving & Maintenance and LIUNA Local 1059. A new court has also been added at Douglas
We’re reviewing how we provide customer service to ensure we are meeting your needs. Let us know how we can serve you better by taking part in an upcoming focus group. • July 12, 1:00 to 3:00 pm, Coldstream Fire Hall Building Permits & the Planning Process • July 12, 5:00 to 7:00 pm, Komoka Wellness Centre Booking Parks & Recreation Facilities • July 13, 10:00 am to 12:00 pm, Virtual/Online Building Permits & the Planning Process • July 13, 5:00 to 7:00 pm, Virtual/Online General Customer Service To register, visit middlesexcentre.ca/cs-review or call 519-666-0190.
Be a Good Neighbour If you are a dog who calls Middlesex Centre home, listen up ! You need to follow a few simple rules, including: Getting a dog tag. Being on a leash when you are out and about. Having your human “stoop and scoop” if you poop.
To advertise here, please contact Tami@villagerpublications.com
Ilderton and Area Villager July-August 2025 • Page 3
Message from the Mayor Happy Summer, everyone.
I hope you are looking forward to special events, family celebrations and holiday time in the coming months! Notable changes in the world around us have had an impact on how and where some of us plan to spend our vacation time this summer. A fair number of people I’ve spoken with have indicated they are planning to explore Canada this summer, and I hope this ‘trend’ will bring visitors to our community as well. If you, too, plan to stay closer to home, there are plenty of activities for everyone to enjoy across our municipality, as well as in our neighbouring municipalities in Middlesex County. You may have already visited our local farm markets in Komoka and Ilderton, which provide opportunities to buy seasonal produce as well as baked goods, meats, cheeses, and other products like jams
Aina DeViet, Mayor 519.666.0190 x 5234 deviet@middlesexcentre.ca www.middlesexcentre.ca
Relaxing pond view at Willow Creek Barn Events. Photo by Tammy Belaire, 1 Breath Photography
and jellies. Mark your calendar for Canada Day events, which are celebrated in Bryanston and Delaware this year. These celebrations provide a wonderful opportunity to meet other residents and join in a full day of great activities, as does the Tri-County Heritage Club’s annual Heritage and Antique Show that takes place July 11 to 13 at the Ilderton Fairgrounds. Check the “Visit the Middlesex County” website at www.visitmiddlesex.ca regularly to plan a day of fun activities and great food across our region! You may want to visit local farm stores and stock up on fresh, locally produced food and seasonal produce or flowers, attend music, arts & crafts, and festivals, or go for a hike and explore our natural areas. There will be something sure to appeal to every member of your family! We are also fortunate to live in Southwestern Ontario, surrounded by the Great Lakes, excellent agricultural areas, a variety of small urban centres, historical sites and recreational and parklands. It’s easy to plan a weekend trip by accessing information on sites like www.ontariossouthwest.com. No matter where you choose to visit, I wish you a summer of memory-making moments!
Ilderton and Area Villager Issue #47 July-August 2025 Your local community connector The 100% locally owned and produced Ilderton and Area Villager is published ten times a year with thousands delivered free to area residences, set out at local venues, and posted online at www.villagerpublications.com Publisher: Barb Botten P.O. Box 134, Lambeth Station Ontario N6P 1P9 Barb@villagerpublications.com 519-282-7262 Managing Editor & Advertising: Tami Martin Tami@villagerpublications.com 519-851-0961 All articles written by Tami Martin unless otherwise noted. Graphic Artist: Cathy Wood Copyright @ 2015 Villager Publications. All rights reserved. This magazine or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the Publisher. Information presented has been compiled from sources believed to be accurate at the time of printing however the Publisher assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions.
Please contact Tami@VillagerPublications.com for more information regarding any of our community magazines. Visit VillagerPublications.com to read them all. YOUR JUNE 2025 VILLAGER PUBLICATIONS LINEUP
We’d love to hear from you. Cover photo and article suggestions welcome! Contact Tami at Tami@VillagerPublications.com
Villager Publications is a proudly Canadian-owned and operated company, deeply committed to supporting our local communities. We’re ALL and ONLY about your LOCAL artisans, entrepreneurs, events, service organizations, businesses, people and places. With every issue, we celebrate the spirit of Canada.
Page 4 Ilderton and Area Villager • July-August 2025
To advertise here, please contact Tami@villagerpublications.com
Pet of the Month We all love our pets, big or small.
Send in their photo to make them known to all. Email your photo and a brief description of your family pet to tami@villagerpublications.com. Below are some handy tips from your local vet. Meet Willy, the July/August Issue Pet of the Month Willy is a two-year-old domestic short-haired cat who lives in the country near St Marys. He had to have his right eye removed, and his left eye repaired as a kitten due to an injury and infection sustained before his rescue by a kind family. He’s a handsome, adventurous soul who loves climbing things, tussling with his brother Lenny, and lounging on the couch! Fur Parents: Kim, Jeff & Family
Anxiety in Pets: Why worry? by Dr. Kim Anderka, BSc, DVM – Ilderton Pet Hospital Anxiety is common in both dogs and cats and can be manifested in many ways. Anxiety is the anticipation of danger, whether it is unknown, imagined or real and can result in changes in the animal’s body and behaviour. Many pets demonstrate anxiety as a response to car rides, loud noises, visitors to their house, interactions with unknown people or pets, being left alone and yes, even visits to the family veterinarian. It is important to realize that although anxiety may often result in unwanted behaviour (urination, defecation, chewing, barking and aggression), the basis of the behaviour is fear, and punishment will result in worsening the outcome and fear of the people trying to correct the behaviour in this way. Anxious behaviour is often shaped by early development; genetics, lack of socialization and lack of exposure to new situations may all play a role in how the pet responds to certain experiences. The great news is that pets are constantly learning and can respond with time and patience to positive training techniques. Avoidance of anxiety triggers is sometimes possible—for example, by minimizing situations like being left alone, Your Perfect Match awaits you at The London Animal Care Centre and The Catty Shack! Bringing people and pets together www.accpets.ca
encounters with other animals, or car rides. However, many triggers, such as thunderstorms or visitors, are often beyond a caregiver’s control. Having a visit with your veterinarian, ideally using a Fear Free approach, to ensure no other causes of anxiety are present (such as pain, neurologic disorders and cognitive change), and to discuss the type of anxiety can guide further treatment. In many cases, prescribed supplements or pharmaceuticals may be helpful in managing some symptoms while behavioural therapy is underway. Positive reward-based training is used to help pets build communication, and confidence, elevate mood and streng- then the bond to their family members and is generally the most successful in affecting behaviour. Developing a relation- ship with a reward-based trainer can be invaluable, especially if they are able to either home-visit or virtually view the behaviours which are occurring. Patient, safe, positive training is a lifelong endeavour, but worth the journey!
IldertonPetHospital.com 125 King Street, Ilderton (519) 666-2288
Drop in for all your dog, cat, and small pets food & supplies; as well as wild bird seed, chicken, and horse feed. We carry the brands you want, from value added to high quality, at competitive prices.
C atty S hack THE London Animal Care Centre – Licensing, Bylaw Enforcement, Adoption and Lost/Found Services: 121 Pine Valley Blvd., (519) 685-1330 The Catty Shack: 756 Windermere Rd., (519) 432-4572
519-857-2385 • 13229 Ilderton Road
To advertise here, please contact Tami@villagerpublications.com
Ilderton and Area Villager July-August 2025 • Page 5
Be a Scot for a Day! Ailsa Craig Highland Games & Scottish Festival – Saturday, July 26 by Pamma Hubbert Dust off your tartan—Ailsa Craig is going full Highlander on Saturday, July 26, with the launch of its first annual Highland Games & Scottish Festival. Hosted at the Ailsa Craig Recreation Centre, this all-ages event blends the best of the village’s former Gala Days with fresh festivities rooted in Scottish tradition.
Learning the Tricks of the Trade at The Crump Family Farm by Christiana McHardie Rita Oforiwaa Mensah has been spending her international internship with The Crump Family Farm in Ilderton, learning the tricks of the Canadian agricultural trade. With extensive agricultural experience in both Ghana and Canada, Rita has gained a truly one- of-a-kind, cross-cultural perspective on sustainability, innovation, and management in the agricultural industry. Rita grew up on her family’s farm in Ghana and served as a Women in Agricultural Development Officer for Ghana’s Ministry of Agriculture. She is a postgraduate Agri-Business Management student from Fanshawe College, and her previous experience and her background in crops, poultry, and livestock management in the industry have helped her settle nicely into The Crump Family Farm. The internship has allowed Rita to gain even more real-world experience in endeavours like crop cultivation, poultry and live- stock management, and soil health initiatives. She has notably developed an understanding of “Canadian-Ghanian perspectives on rural development,” a point of view that few others share.
The day kicks off at 8 am with a hearty community breakfast, courtesy of the Ailsa Craig Village Association. From there, the field comes alive with classic Heavy Games—caber tosses, hammer throws, and feats of strength—plus a Kids Zone, artisan- filled Thistle Market, workshops, and a musical stage headlined by South of 7. The Royal Scots War of 1812 Reenactors will be there as well - firing their cannon! To top it off? A delicious evening pig roast by New Moon Community Homestead. “This festival is about bringing the community together to celebrate our roots and have some fun,” says John, Chair of the Highland Games & Scottish Festival Committee.
Rita sincerely appreciates her internship at The Crump Family Farm and says, “The internship has served as a platform for pro- fessional development, idea ex- change, and personal growth, equipping me with sustainable, scalable techniques that I plan to implement and share back home.”
Visit The Crump Family Farm for Local Farm to Table! Follow us for Summer Events on the Farm • Sunflowers – August 1st • Weekend Events & Birthday Parties • Food Booth Events • Farm Store • Kids’ Barn with Animals
Tuesday to Sunday 10 to 5 5372 Egremont Drive, Ilderton 519-200-3431 thecrumpfamilyfarm@gmail.com thecrumpfamilyfarm.ca
Be a Scot for a Day in Ailsa Craig, Ontario Fourth Saturday in July
BE A SCOT FOR A DAY Saturday, July 26 Ailsa Craig Recreation Centre 159 Annie Ada Shipley Street Community Breakfast starts at 8 am
Page 6 Ilderton and Area Villager • July-August 2025
To advertise here, please contact Tami@villagerpublications.com
Councillor’s Corner by Jean Coles Ward 1 Councillor, Municipality of Middlesex Centre Coles@middlesexcentre.ca Hello Neighbours, I am pleased to share that the Middle- sex Centre Municipal Office and Cold- stream Community Centre have offici- ally reopened following extensive reno-
• Remove plastic lids and caps (under 7.6 cm/ 3 inches = Garbage) • Place metal lids inside cans • Remove plastic wrap from newspapers • Do not bag recyclables—except: – Bundle clean plastic grocery bags inside one tied bag – Put shredded paper in a clear plastic bag Accepted Items Include: • Paper, cardboard, boxboard • Plastics #1, #2 and #5 • Aluminum and steel cans • Glass bottles and jars Avoid Placing in the Blue Bin: Coffee cups, plastic toys, tinfoil, styrofoam, aerosol cans, bubble wrap, small lids, dirty diapers, meal kit boxes, plastic wrap, furnace filters, Amazon shipping envelopes and gift wrap. Clean, correct recycling protects the system and keeps workers safe. Visit www.bra.org/recycling for full details. For repair or replacement, contact the BRA at BRA.org/contact. Thank you for doing your part. I hope to see you on the Ilderton Rail Trail or at the Ilderton Farmers Market this summer!
vations. I encourage you to stop by and explore these improved community spaces. I am also looking forward to the reopening of our Ilderton Arena this August! Looking ahead, Canadian Blood Services will host a Blood Donor Clinic in Ilderton on August 28, 2025. Appointments can be booked online—your donation can make a real difference in someone’s life. Recycling Right Ward 1 residents continue to show leadership in sustainability. After a recent visit to the Bluewater Recycling Association (BRA) facility, I want to share a few reminders to help us recycle effectively. With weekly curbside collection and seasonal EnviroDepot access, we have the tools in place. Now we must reduce contamination by recycling the right materials, the right way. Recycling Tips: • Rinse containers first (food contamination is a reason re- cycling is diverted to the garbage) • Place items loosely in your blue bin
519-666-2115 • 13235 Ilderton Rd. PIZZA SLICES MON-FRI 11–3 Wings, Mozzarella Sticks, Battered Mushrooms and more! Uber Eats • Gift Certificates
SUMMER CO-ED GOLF TOURNAMENT Saturday, August 23rd
Ask about our Daily Specials and NEW Family Pizza Combo offers!
519-857-2385 • 13229 Ilderton Road Mon to Thur 11 - 8 • Friday 11 - 9 • Sat 2 - 9 • Sun 4 - 8
13236 Ilderton Road floraltemptations.com (519) 666-2032 Flowers, Plants and Gifts for all occasions
To advertise here, please contact Tami@villagerpublications.com
Ilderton and Area Villager July-August 2025 • Page 7
Open House Welcomes Residents to Newly Renovated Municipal Office On May 20, 2025, Mayor DeViet, MP Lianne Rood, members of council, and representatives from +VG Architects architecture firm officially re-opened the Middlesex Centre municipal office and Coldstream Community Centre following extensive renovations. Over the past year and a half, Middlesex Centre expanded and modernized the municipal office, creating new spaces for the building, engineering, and planning departments, along with a larger council chamber. The renovation also incorporated a universal washroom and other accessibility enhancements. While the municipal office was closed, the municipality also refreshed the attached Coldstream Community Centre by installing new windows, upgrading washrooms, replacing flooring, and adding fresh paint. Many organizations and residents use this space for meetings, special events, fitness classes, and community celebrations. “These major renovations will meet the needs of not only municipal staff but all residents across Middlesex Centre,” said Mayor DeViet. “It is a place for residents to gather and participate in their local government, and a welcoming space for service clubs, fitness class members, and others to celebrate milestone events.” This project represents a significant investment in both the municipal office and community centre, ensuring they serve Middlesex Centre’s growing community today and into the future. Members of the community attended the ribbon-cutting and
toured the new spaces during the open house event, which followed. The Mayor’s Town Hall was also held later that evening in the new council chambers. ( L to R): Councillor Jean Coles, Councillor Frank Berze, Councillor Hugh Aerts, Councillor Sue Cates, Mayor Aina DeViet, Councillor Wayne Shipley, MP Lianne Rood and Scott Elliott from +VG Architects
Page 8 Ilderton and Area Villager • July-August 2025
To advertise here, please contact Tami@villagerpublications.com
Visit the Ilderton Farmers Market! Local farmers, artisans and bakers offer a delightful array of fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, cheeses, home made goods and more at the Ilderton Farmers Market, located at the Community Bible Church parking lot, 100 Meadowcreek Drive, every Saturday morning until October 11, from 9 am until noon. Visit www.ildertonfarmersmarket.com to learn more. Regular vendors include: Almanac Flower Co Almore Coffee Ashwood Co Jewelry AsterRose.Co
FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED FARM STORE
Becca’s Heirloom Tomatoes Boy & Girls Club of London Connie’s Catering Crest Support Services Deb’s Crocheting Deitrich Art Dill Doughs Breads Dobrentey’s Farm Fresh Eets From El Corazon FrozTeaz Hobby Acres-Stained Glass Indubitably by Mary Curry KDVR Creative Little Acres Ranch London Brewing Cooperative Lyndsay Hasilo RMT Middlesex Centre Archives Nifty Niches Crafts Petal & Paws Popsies Dessert Shop Res & Wood Santa Barbara Coffee Farm Sunset Gourmet Sunshine Cake Studio Susan Michelle Art The Bakers Project The Corn Crib The Hearth Loaf Microbakery The Indian Herbs True North Mushrooms Uncle Dad’s Pizza Van Gaalen Custom Designs Waterwoods Printing With Fire and Lace Designs
WE SELL OVER 100 LOCAL PRODUCTS Apples • Apple Butter • Jams Honey • Maple Syrup • Cheese Apple Cider Vinegar • Peanuts Generations Hard Apple Cider Frozen Meat and Fruit Pies Gluten Free Products Seasonal Fruits and Vegetables Gift Baskets and More! www.crunicanorchards.com | 519-666-0286 23778 Richmond St., London, ON @crunicanapples Crunican Orchards
To advertise here, please contact Tami@villagerpublications.com
Ilderton and Area Villager
July-August 2025 • Page 9
Page 10 Ilderton and Area Villager • July-August 2025 In 1922, Father married Susie Boyd, a farm girl from Appin way who had been teaching at Bear Creek Public School. My William married Cecilia Calverton in 1884. A new brick house was completed in 1885 on Ivan Drive, and here they raised their family of four boys and two girls. Three of their sons and one daughter all graduated from Queens University. Youngest son Ernest, my father, completed grade school and started at London Collegiate but soon had to withdraw; with his father busy in the carpenter’s shop, and his three brothers at university, there was no one else to run the farm. A Chip off the Old Block by John Caverhill There is an old adage, “You can take the boy away from the farm, but you can’t take the farm away from the boy,” which is to say each of us is shaped by the environment in which we grew up. Entries from my grandfather’s diaries, along with gleanings from our family genealogical history, show some of the components that shaped his life that, in turn, shaped my father’s life and eventually my own life. Back in the 1840s, my great-grandfather Archibald Caverhill left his home in New Brunswick, where he had been both a storekeeper and a minister, and moved to Ontario. Three adjoining farms in Lobo Township were acquired, and he started two new careers: farming and school teaching. Archibald married Margaret Telfer, and they had a typical Victorian-sized family of four boys and four girls. Three of his sons each inherited one of the farms. The oldest son William, my grandfather, settled on the middle farm located on the southwest corner of the present-day Ivan Drive / Vanneck Road intersection. Parents Archibald and Mary had hoped William would become a Presbyterian minister. Accordingly, he enrolled at Komoka Seminary. Here he became friends with an instructor who enjoyed woodworking as a hobby, and William discovered that shaping wood rather than souls was more to his liking. Probably to the accompaniment of much headshaking by his parents, he switched to the Mechanics Institute in London and learned the carpenter’s trade. In 1870, 20-year-old William formed a partnership with Thomas Robson. A new carpenter shop had been built at the intersection of present-day Ten Mile Road and Vanneck Road. In 1872, William bought out the partnership, records showing the transaction cost $1.00. This is not a misprint; perhaps Grandfather was upholding his Scottish heritage and being financially ‘canny’. His three brothers were all part of the business until the second-oldest son, James, was killed in a farm accident in 1883. The young business grew to the point where their father issued an edict. Farming was the primary occupation, and carpentry was secondary to the farmwork. Carpenter Bill, as he was known locally, managed to satisfy both his father and the demands of his business. William probably settled on the centre farm because it was directly across the road from the shop; also, being only 70 acres, it left more time for the carpentry business, which eventually became his main occupation. Weather, the farm, and road conditions dominate Grandfather’s diary; one would never guess he had a thriving carpenter business. Occasional entries such as ‘have been shingling Adam Telfer’s barn’ (May 24, 1904) and ‘put joists on H. W. Zavits’s barn’ (August 13, 1904) are sparse compared to daily entries re: farm and weather.
father, like his father before him, also combined farming with woodworking his whole life. Active in community affairs, he served many years as secretary for the Ilderton Farmers’ Co- op and was secretary for the Medway High School Board from its inception until his death in 1962. He was a firm believer in the values of a good education. While he led a full life, I always had the feeling he would have liked to have gone to university and chosen some other career, like his siblings. I grew up on the same 70 acres. I liked farming, but by the late 1950s, it was obvious the small general farm, which was my style, was no longer viable. I followed in the footsteps of my mother and several other family members and became a teacher, which I enjoyed for twenty years. I also had my grandfather’s and father’s love of working with wood, and after completing the three-year Landscape Design and Build course at Fanshawe College, I finished my career designing and building various landscape structures. Does that make me a ‘chip off two old blocks’? John Caverhill in his Father’s workshop (2012). The workshop is now located at Fanshawe Pioneer Village where John volunteers.
John Caverhill is the younger son of the late Ernest Caverhill and Susie Boyd of Lobo Township. John’s writings often reflect his experiences and observations of growing up on the family farm, attending the one room school, S. S. No. 7 Lobo (Bear Creek School), and Vanneck United Church. John’s sense of humour and story-telling skills are legendary. His keen observation skills have augmented his repertoire .
To advertise here, please contact Tami@villagerpublications.com Sunday 8 – 11am: Poplar Hill Lions Club Breakfast Flea Market • Petting Zoo • Live Music • More Friday $10 • Saturday $15 • Sunday $10 • Weekend $25 Children 12 and under: FREE www.ilderton.ca/heritageclub Tri-County Heritage & Antique Show Featuring John Deere July 11 – 13, 2025 Ilderton Fair Grounds, 195 King St Friday 4pm – 11pm • Saturday 8am – 10pm Sunday 8am – 4pm Antique Tractors, Equipment, Cars & Trucks. Friday & Saturday night: Tractor Pulls
Local Youth Awarded Scholarship in Optimist Oratorical Competition! An outstanding achievement for Odie Bartlett of Middlesex Centre! At the Optimist District quarterly Board meeting in Kirkton on May 3, Odie was awarded a $2500.00 scholarship as winner of the Midwestern Ontario District of Optimists International Oratorical Competition. He is eligible to compete on July 17 in the Optimist International contest hosted in St. Louis, Missouri, where additional significant prizes are offered for regional and world competitions. The Optimist Club of Bryanston-Birr has sponsored Odie in his pursuit of excellence and followed his progress with warm interest, and said, “We applaud Odie and his family for their dedication to attaining his goal. We wish him continuing success in all his future endeavours. Kudos, Odie!”
Summer at the Ilderton Library by Karen Donaldson
The Ilderton Library team—Karen, Lisa, Jaime, and Drew—are thrilled to announce an exciting lineup of events for Summer at the Library 2025. This summer promises to be filled with fun, reading and creativity for all ages! Each week this summer, dive into hands-on creativity with new activities designed to spark imagination and innovation at our Imagination Station, embark on scavenger hunts that challenge your observation skills, and join us every Friday at 10:30 am to enjoy engaging stories, songs, and rhymes at storytime. Staff are busy planning special events including Emoji Galaxy Painting, a Nintendo Switch Tournament, Smurftastics Slime, Oreo Night, Tech Hacking, Cardboard Chompsaw Creations and Lizard Appreciation Day. Whether you’re interested in the arts, gaming, science, or nature, there’s something for everyone! More details will be available in-branch soon. Don’t forget to participate in the Middlesex County Library’s Summer Reading Program. It’s a great way to keep minds active and engaged throughout the summer months. Registration begins Friday, June 27, and there are options for all ages: Read in Colour: Open up your world and read in colour! Track your reading and complete activities to earn special collector’s badges and ballots for our prize draws. Best for children aged two through entering grade four. Power Up: Power Up your reading with the library! Track your reading and complete challenges to earn ballots for our prize draws. Best for youth entering grades five to eight. Teen Edition: Read and complete challenges to earn chances to win! Two winners will be randomly selected for the system- wide grand prize: their choice of a $100 gift card or an Instax Mini 12 Instant Camera. Best for high school-aged teens. Adults: Register to receive a Summer at the Library Reading Log and Ballot. For each completed log, you will receive one entry for the system-wide grand prize draw. The Ilderton Library extends heartfelt thanks to the local community for their generous donations and support, which make Summer at the Library 2025 and other programs possible. Your contributions help us create enriching experiences for all. We look forward to welcoming the Ilderton community to a summer of fun and learning! For the latest updates and detailed information on events, please visit our online event calendar at library.middlesex.ca/events
Winner Odie Bartlett standing with members of the Optimist Club of Bryanston-Birr, President Ron Smith and club member Elizabeth Campbell. Follow the Optimist Club of Bryanston-Birr on Facebook.
Visit our gift shop featuring handmade cards, and work from local artisans. MONTHLY GROUPS: Writing Group, Book Club, Water Colour Group (Monday mornings) continue. Card Making, Kit and Knatter, and YACAC will return in September. Check the calendar on our website! UPCOMING CLASSES : Kids Summer Camp! EXHIBITS: June 21 – July 31 “Moments in Time” featuring the work of the late David Gillies. August 2 – Sept. 11 “Echoes of Nature” with photographer Karen Allen, AND “Wee Whimsy: Seagulls at Play” with flame-work glass sculptor Jen Van Herten.
Come and check us out!
Art by Jen Van Herten
Art by David Gillies
For a full schedule of classes go to ailsacraigartscentre. wildapricot.org
160D Main Street, Ailsa Craig. Open 1 – 4 pm every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.
To advertise here, please contact Tami@villagerpublications.com
Ilderton and Area Villager July-August 2025 • Page 11
Page 12 Ilderton and Area Villager • July-August 2025 Anthony and Mary Ann’s second son, Thomas Patrick (T.P.) (1854-1924), married Margaret Ann [Guilfoyle] (1881-1962) in 1901, and they had three children – Mary Ann, Hazel Florence and Thomas Gordon. T.P. was given the 100-acre family farm in 1888. T.P. helped establish the Ilderton Telephone Company and also served as a Township Constable. In 1924, T.P. was injured while plowing with a horse-drawn plow and died. The property and farmhouse were passed to his son Thomas Gordon (nicknamed “Tippy” when he outgrew being called “Little T.P.”). 1867, they donated additional land to replace the log building with a brick building farther away from the intersection. This structure still exists today. In 1821, their eldest son, Anthony Cooper Hughes (1821-1906), was born in the original log cabin. Anthony married Mary Ann [Patrick] (1821-1902), and they had seven children. Anthony and Mary Ann received title to the home farm property on February 20, 1868. In 1881, Anthony and Mary Ann built a new brick house on the property, and the original log cabin was reconstructed at the rear of the brick house to make a summer kitchen and woodshed. In the early 1990s, it was designated as one of the early dwellings of Middlesex County by the Township of London Local Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee (LACAC). When Anthony died in 1906, he was recognized as being the “oldest pioneer of London Township”. Seven Generations for an Ilderton Pioneer Family by Beverly Hughes, Middlesex Centre Archives Joseph Cooper Hughes (1785-1879) was born in Ireland. He married Allice [Burns] (1798-1878), who was born in England. In 1818, they decided to join the second wave of settlers to immigrate to the wilderness of Ontario, Canada. Together with Joseph’s brothers, Richard and Anthony, they boarded the “Fidelity”, a “free ship” paid for by the British government. They sailed across the Atlantic to Montreal, Quebec, and boarded an open river boat to Kingston. From there, they took the Lake Ontario steamboat “Frontenac” to Port Talbot. In 1819, they settled on Lot 21, Conc. 11 of London Township. In the book London Township Pioneers, Joseph was given credit as being one of the original settlers to the area. Early pioneers were required to perform certain duties prior to receiving ownership of the land they had chosen. Within two years, they had to build a dwelling at least sixteen feet by twenty feet in a clearing. They had to clear and fence five acres for every one hundred acres they possessed, and clear and open half the road width (thirty-three feet) in front of their property, leaving no trees standing within one hundred feet of the road. They had 10 children and farmed this 100-acre piece of land under a “squatter’s rights” deed until they were able to travel to Goderich in 1845, where they purchased the parchment “Crown Deed” for the home farm. In 1844, they donated a small piece of property on the south- east corner of the home farm to be used as a school. The first structure was a log buil- ding built close to the inter- section of Ilderton Road and the Cameron Sideroad (now Wonderland Road North). In
In 1932, Thomas Gordon (1906-1990) married Gladys Marion [Poole] (1910-1997) and in 1946 had a son, Beverley (Bev). In 1969, Bev married Beverly [Garrett] and moved into the house they had built on the S.S. #8 school property on the southeast corner of the farm. They have two sons – Brent and Donald. In 1997, after the deaths of Thomas and Gladys, the family farm property was passed to Bev and Beverly to continue farming. Unfortunately, the brick farmhouse sat vacant for many years. In the Fall of 2022, Brent and his wife Rebecca [Ott] decided to begin restoring the 1881 farmhouse, and by the Spring of 2025, they sold their house in London and made the farmhouse their new home. One of their sons, Nathaniel, lives with them and is the seventh generation to live on the property over the past 206 years, and the sixth generation to live in the 1881 farmhouse.
They have tried to keep many of the historical fea- tures of the house. Unfor- tunately, the original slate roof was beyond repair, so it was replaced with a steel roof in a similar slate- grey colouring. The original windows were restored, the
Photos: Left – S.S.#8 class picture (1916). Above (top) – family picture beside the farmhouse (1902). The group in the centre, left to right, is Anthony, T.P., Margaret Ann and baby Mary Ann Hughes. Above – The farmhouse in 1989. For those of you who have driven by and been curious about the activity going on over the past few years at 13762 Ilderton Road, Brent & Rebecca are planning to hold an “open house” for viewing on Sunday, August 17 from 1 pm to 5 pm. There will be no admission charge, but a financial donation to the Middlesex Centre Archives would be appreciated. stone foundation and bricks were repaired, the inside walls re-plastered, and the original wood floors refinished. The basement brick flooring with clay-tile drainage was removed, repaired and re-laid. Many layers of white paint on the wainscotting and trim throughout the house were removed, and all were returned to their original dark-brown colouring. Several pieces of furniture from previous generations are still in the house.
To advertise here, please contact Tami@villagerpublications.com
The Nostalgic Theatre Brings Laughter and Light to Local Audiences by Christiana McHardie Seven years ago, retired Registered Nurse, Jennifer McFadyen of Coldstream, was in pursuit of an exciting pastime that would help her give back to her community. She stumbled upon The Nostalgic Theatre (TNT) in a newspaper advertisement and has been continuously improving her musical and performance skills ever since. Within the theatre, which has deep roots in the history of theatre in London, Jennifer and her fellow TNT members have found invaluable company and community. For nearly half a century, TNT has been providing space for seniors to exercise and develop their theatrical, comedic, and musical interests while bringing laughter and light to local audiences. TNT began as the Nostalgic Thespians in 1978 and was composed of performers and theatre personnel retiring from London’s iconic Grand Theatre, which was known as Theatre London until 1983. Now with approximately 15 volunteer members, the non-profit group performs hour-long shows at retirement homes, nursing homes, churches, and special events twice a year. Members perform songs, dances, and comedy skits in front of enthusiastic audiences, “Especially the retirement homes who know the songs and get some laughs and joy from our performances,” says Jennifer. “It makes us happy that we have made others happy.”
TNT boasts a wide range of abilities among its members. Take the group’s vocal coach and accompanist, Ilderton- based Connie Newland. TNT members regularly sing Connie’s praises. At 88 years old, she says she has at least 84 years of music behind her. Members say, “Connie has played and sung her way through life.” She has comprehensive experience playing and singing solo, with orchestras, and in groups such as the Cantata singers, and continues her impressive musical career within TNT. Norma Marten, who now lives in Ilderton, grew up in New York City, attending Broadway shows on momentous occasions and is one of many TNT members who enjoy the theatre’s supportive community. Like Jennifer, Norma first became aware of TNT through a newspaper advertisement. Norma deeply values the friends and peers that the theatre has given her, with whom she can continue to work and grow as a performer. “At this stage of life, all those factors are so important to feel we’re not only helping ourselves and each other, but at the same time, we’re bringing happiness and lightness of spirit, even for just an hour, to those who watch our shows.” TNT’s doors are open to new members and volunteers. Seniors aged 55+ interested in performing, managing backstage, or contributing in any capacity are encouraged to contact Kim Paulton at (226) 927- 6921 or kimpaulton@hotmail.com. Photos: Left – Singing Peace on Earth, singing As Time Goes By, singing Second Hand Rose. Above – Connie Newland, Norma Marten, Jennifer McFadyen. Below – grand finalé with the full cast.
To advertise here, please contact Tami@villagerpublications.com
Ilderton and Area Villager July-August 2025 • Page 13
Recipes – From Your Ilderton and Area Neighbours
Rhubarb Custard Pie Submitted by Nancy Rushton Ingredients 1 unbaked pie shell 2 ½ cups rhubarb cut into 1/2” to 1” pieces, fresh or frozen 2 eggs 1 cup white sugar 1/2 cup milk 1/4 cup all purpose flour Cinnamon & nutmeg (optional) Instructions custard is set. (About one hour.) Ham and Cheese Quiche Submitted by Bernadette Mercer, Vintage Green Ingredients 1 package (120 grams) Chicken flavour Stove Top Stuffing Mix with its spices 2 tbsp melted butter (30 ml) 1 cup diced cooked ham, sliced thick (250 ml) 1 cup grated swiss or cheddar with a little mozzarella cheese (250 ml) 1/2 cup frozen peas (125 ml) 1/4 cup chopped red or green pepper and/or chopped mushrooms or broccoli 1/2 cup milk (425ml) (not 1% or skim) 2 eggs, beaten with a little onion powder Instructions
Spread rhubarb pieces into a pie shell. In a bowl, beat eggs, sugar, flour and milk together, and pour it over rhubarb. Sprinkle with nutmeg or cinnamon (optional) and bake at 350°F until the
Pineapple Jalapeno Marmalade Submitted by Nancy Rushton Ingredients 20-ounce can crushed pineapple, strained 4 cups white sugar
1 orange, zested and juiced 1 lemon, zested and juiced 4 jalapeno peppers, seeded and minced 2 packs of liquid Certo Instructions Combine the pineapple, sugar, orange zest, lemon zest, orange juice, lemon juice and jalapenos in a medium saucepan. Bring the mixture to a rapid boil, stirring frequently. Lower the heat and cook for five minutes. Add Certo and follow directions on the Certo box. Seal in hot sterilized jars.
Mix stuffing mix with crumbs and butter in a lightly greased nine-inch (23 cm) pie plate or quiche dish. Spread over the bottom of the dish. Sprinkle peas, chopped pepper, ham and cheese evenly over the crumbs. Beat eggs and milk together in a bowl until well blended. Pour SLOWLY over the mixture in the dish. Bake at 350°F (180°C) for 30-35 minutes or until it is set. Don’t overbake.
Cranberry Orange Marmalade Submitted by Nancy Rushton Ingredients 2 oranges 1 lemon 1 1⁄2 cups water 1/8 teaspoon baking soda 1 lb ripe cranberries 6 1⁄2 cups sugar 1/2 bottle of liquid pectin Instructions
Grandma June’s Cheerio Squares Submitted by Rosemary Tyrrell Ingredients
Page 14 Ilderton and Area Villager • July-August 2025 Add cranberries and simmer, covered, for 10 minutes. Measure five cups of fruit into a very large saucepan. Add sugar and mix well. Put over high heat, bring to a full rolling boil and boil hard for one minute, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and at once stir in pectin. Skim off foam with a metal spoon. Then stir and skim for seven minutes to cool slightly and to prevent floating fruit. Ladle into hot sterilized jars and seal. Makes about eight 1/2-pint jars. Cut oranges and lemons into quarters and remove seeds. Grind the fruit, chop fine, or cut crosswise into wafer-thin slices. Add water and soda. Bring to boil and simmer, covered, for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
1 cup brown sugar 1/2 cup corn syrup 1/3 cup margarine or butter 1/2 cup peanut butter
2 cups cornflakes 2 cups Cheerios 1 cup peanuts
To advertise here, please contact Tami@villagerpublications.com Instructions In a medium saucepan, boil the brown sugar, corn syrup, and margarine (or butter) for two minutes. Then add 1/2 cup peanut butter. Pour this mixture over a bowl of cornflakes, Cheerios, and peanuts. Pack in a square pan, set and slice into squares.
Puzzle #1
Puzzle #1
Puzzle #1
Ilderton and Area Villager Puzzle Page How to Play Sudoku: Sudoku is played on a grid of nine squares. Within the rows and columns are nine squares made up of three by three spaces. Each row, column and square (nine spaces each) need to be filled out with the numbers 1 – 9, without repeating any numbers within the row, column or square.
3 5 8
2 1 7 1 5 6 2 3 9 5 4 6 1 3 8 9 2 4 5
2 1 9 4 5 8
1
6
4 1 6
8
2 7 9
9 7
9 6 9 8 1
7
2 4
1
3 4
7 6 2 5 4
7
6
8
8 3
1 6
6 9 1 5
3
1 2 4 5 8 8 9 3
7 3 6
8
5 4 6
9 2
5 4
9
6
4 5 9 2
1
9 6
5
Easy Hard Solve the puzzle with names of the advertisers from the June 2025 Ilderton and Area Villager listed below . Please support our advertisers. It’s their participation that enables us to deliver the Ilderton and Area Villager to you. Medium Fill in the puzzle so that every row across, every column down and every 9 by 9 box contains the numbers 1 to 9. Fill in the puzzle so that every row across, every column down and every 9 by 9 box contains the numbers 1 to 9. Fill in the puzzle so that every row across, every column down and every 9 by 9 box contains the numbers 1 to 9.
ILDV - SUMMER 2025 G B R N A K R M H C R Q L F K A H C H M A L I T H D R K G S E V A O Y D L C S U D O K L U R T R B Q K M H S G R D Y R U N R X F V R H G O G D Q I A H S H D H L Y S B O D P T T I Q C G E M G X X Y P V C V E D B A Q J T P H V R D A E M F G L K N J H Q E A U H H K X O E B K E V B V A Y E K A I K I A H O P G U R E C W I T N T M V Q R W W H J H R C I F N S V E P T A W R I X N H N S T R M E I I C X T A A P X K A U W Q W U G O D O G I I E E G N P L L R P L M R B E B Z U U E H D S E U O E S E M R J W A D H O I A S E A L P Z N S N F S N L B L D O B O T Q K C E H N H V R C B A M I T I F R V O P Q Q W A A H N N P S R M A S I E E O G M P T M W N Q I Y S A A K K Y E G V E T O C C T G N C P D R K A U D U T B A Q R H E T C O M T O K I U S N T I X A U W R A V U A X W W D O R I X J S A N J N B E U R N G T O I Y V G M T B N D R U H N E P R E F P U T F E E C L O F C W K C V P A R C E S O U S N V R A R R G Y Q G I M Q R B S S H Q M Q S F S E D M E X T G R K C W E H A P J C Q D L T Y X E Q M A T B G M L G L A M N F J L H P Q Y P W B O V U K T E F E A C I O D P T U E N M P N P F B L M R K F N R G L K F S U Q N C D R J D R H I J A L B B T Q J T S L S K A K G L R W S N I N X P S E U C T G E F Q I P J F L N G R M R L A M M O M D A O M U N B S R Y E X U H Y Y H E S O B F H N E B O E U R E A H E I T E Y E R X S X T M I T L L P T T J G M G V B P R K W G R T K B M E I K X E V Q F G D W J U Y W C I F A K N R K O H O S N U U X X Q N V G B K N F T K E N U I M E D J V P Y L A I L S A C R A I G A R T S C E N T R E G T S R K J I O I J D W Q N O Y F E D J P I J K W O U L R J W Copyright © 2025 printablecreative.com | For personal use only
CRUNICAN ORCHARD FLORAL TEMPTATIONS FOUR PIZZA SAKE GORDON’S GOLD GREAT ESCAPE RV IAS BEEF BBQ PICNIC ILDERTON FARMERS MARKET MIDDLESEX CENTRE NEW MOON COMMUNITY HOMESTEAD PORT STANLEY FESTIVAL THEATRE THE KING EDWARD RESTAURANT
Copyright © 2025 printablecreative.com | For personal use only
Copyright © 2025 printablecreative.com | For personal use only
ACURA WEST AILSA CRAIG ARTS CENTRE ANIMAL CARE CENTRE BONNIE BAKER-HODGINS
THIS OAK HOUSE UNGER’S MARKET
ACURAWEST AILSACRAIGARTSCENTRE ANIMACARECENTRE BONNIEBAKERHODGINS CRUNICANORCHARD FLORALTEMPTATIONS FOURPIZZASAKE GORDONSGOLD GREATESCAPERV IASBEEFBBQPICNIC ILDERTONFARMERSMARKET MIDDLESEXCENTRE NEWMOONCOMMUNITYHOMESTEAD PORTSTANLEYFESTIVALTHEATRE THEKINGEDWARDRESTAURANT THISOAKHOUSE UNGERSMARKET
Fresh Food and More Since 1984
1010 Gainsborough Road 519-472-8126 • info@ungers.ca WWW.UNGERS.CA Monday to Friday 8 am to 7 pm Saturday 8 am to 6 pm
To advertise here, please contact Tami@villagerpublications.com
Ilderton and Area Villager July-August 2025 • Page 15
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16Made with FlippingBook - Online catalogs