Ilderton Villager
and area
June 2024 Issue 36
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. Middlesex Centre property owners are eligible for two free parking passes. To request your property-owner passes, please complete the form found on the municipal website. If you are on a team with booked field use or have rented the pavilion, you will receive parking passes as part of your rental agreement. Veterans with a valid veteran’s licence plate may park free of charge. For more information or to request your parking passes, visit middlesexcentre.ca/weldon-parking. You are also welcome to contact the municipal office at 519-601-8022 ext. 5110 or customerservice@middlesexcentre.ca. You can find a full list of Middlesex Centre Parks at middlesexcentre.ca/parks. Respectful Dog Ownership Among the most frequent complaints we receive at the municipal office are dogs running off-leash at parks. Whether you are in a park, on a trail or walking along the street, dogs must be leashed unless you are in a designated Dog-Off-Leash Area. Please pick up after your dog and properly dispose of any waste. These rules, found in the Animal Control By-law, always apply, even if “no one else is around.” You may receive a fine or other penalties if you do not obey the by-law. Remember that all dogs living in Middlesex Centre must have a valid dog tag. Tags are issued for the lifetime of your dog at no charge to you. Apply for your dog tag by calling the municipal office at 519-666-0190 ext. 5241 or online at middlesexcentre.ca/dogtags.
HAVE YOUR SAY New playgrounds at Meadowcreek Park and Komoka Park officially opened in May. Both feature climbers, slides, and swings, as well as new landscaping and benches. The Government of Ontario and the Ontario Trillium Foundation provided funding for the project at Meadowcreek. Funding for the Komoka playground was included in the municipal budget, with generous donations from the Komoka-Kilworth Optimist Club and Middlesex Paving & Maintenance. Middlesex Centre – Municipal Minute Middlesex Centre Parks in Full Swing With the summer weather now upon us, Middlesex Centre parks are in full swing! Splash pads at Heritage Park, Kilworth Westbrook Park and the Komoka Wellness Centre and park washrooms (where available) are open for the season. New this year, the municipality is introducing paid parking at Douglas B. Weldon Park in Arva. Weldon Park is the municipality’s largest and most visited park, featuring tennis and pickleball courts, a disc golf course, trails, an off-leash dog area, pavilion, playgrounds, baseball diamonds and wonderful green space. With many of those visiting the park coming from outside of Middlesex Centre, the municipality is adding paid parking to ensure all users contribute to the maintenance costs of the park and its services. Parking payment is through Honk Mobile, which allows visitors to pay on-site on their mobile phone or in advance at honkmobile. com/find-parking. An annual pass is also available.
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Ilderton and Area Villager June 2024 • Page 3
Message from the Mayor Hello everyone,
The longest day of the year – the summer solstice on June 20th – is almost here. As you know, in Canada this means we’re officially ending the “snow” season and starting the “construction” season! You might recall hearing about the Middlesex Centre (MXC) Asset Management Plan (AMP), the guiding document for planning infrastructure projects including bridges, roads and other structures, during the municipal budget process. This summer you’ll see work underway on projects identified in that plan including not only roads and bridges but at Community Centres, parks and sports fields as well. Check the MXC website for up-to-date information on repair and maintenance projects, to learn about road closures, and for other updates. Thank you for your patience as we work on these important projects that will ensure continued service and safety for residents. As the end of the school year approaches, you may also be thinking about recreational and family activities for the months ahead. There’s lots to do and see in MXC and across Middlesex County. One upcoming event in MXC is the annual Poplar Hill Picnic on June
Aina DeViet, Mayor 519.666.0190 x 5234 deviet@middlesexcentre.ca www.middlesexcentre.ca
Northern Lights over Songbird Lane. Photo by Luke Holst. Ilderton and Area Villager Issue #36 June 2024 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.
6th, so pencil it in for a great day of games, food and fun. Check out the Visit Middlesex website (visitmiddlesex.ca) and discover places to dine, shop and play. And don’t forget about our local conservation areas, which offer opportunities to get outside to explore nature while getting some exercise. Five different watersheds comprise MXC, which means everyone in our geography is not too far from a park, walking trail or kayaking/canoeing opportunity. When you think about all the opportunities we have to connect with our communities, to enjoy nature and experience or learn about new things, it is easy to understand how Middlesex Centre really is in the “centre of it all”! I’ll look forward to seeing you out and about! Until next time,
Aina Welcome Ailsa Craig and Nairn!
Villager Publications and The Ailsa Craig 150th Anniversary Committee would like to welcome the residents of Ailsa Craig and Nairn to the distribution of the Ilderton and Area Villager this month. Ailsa Craig turns 150 this year – and the famous Gala Days is celebrating its 50th anniversary! A few things to expect at the celebrations on July 26, 27 and 28: on Friday night there will be a Tween/Teen Foam Dance Party. The Ausable Singers start the Saturday events by singing O Canada . There will be fun and games for kids with bouncy
castles and more on Saturday, including the Highland Games and Sim School of Highland Dance Performers. The Forest Legion and The London Firefighters Pipe Bands will perform throughout the day. Ten Heavy Athletes, all members of The Canadian Scottish Athletic Federation, will compete in the sanctioned Heavy Events, including the Caber Toss, Stone Toss, Hammer Throw, Weight Throw for Height, Weight Throw for Distance, and the Sheaf Toss. The Youth Bluewater Tug of War Team will put on a pulling demonstration and competition. There will also be Food Truck Wars, a lovely roast beef dinner, live music, and dancing with the Pure Country Video Dance Party. And to close out the Highland Games celebrations on Saturday evening, a concert will be performed by MudMen!
We’d love to hear from you. Cover photo and article suggestions welcome! Contact Tami at Tami@villagerpublications.com
Admission is FREE for the whole family at this AGCO-licensed event, but please bring a lawn chair on Saturday if you have one. #GetInvolvedAC Don’t miss out – mark your calendars now!
Page 4 Ilderton and Area Villager • June 2024
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Working Together For Your Health
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Ilderton and Area Villager June 2024 • Page
5
FARMERS MARKET Est. 2012
Opening Day of the Ilderton Farmers Market is Saturday, June 8th – Mark your Calendars! This season, the market will be located in the south parking lot of the Community Bible Church, 100 Meadowcreek Drive, Ilderton, every Saturday morning from 9 am to 12 pm until October 12th. Vendors to date for the 2024 season include: Arch and Ember Garden Fare, Ashwood Co Jewelry, The Baker’s Project, Becca’s Heirloom Tomatoes, Black Sombrero, Catharine’s Canning Delights, Charlotte Webz, Crest Support Services, The Corn Crib, DDKnits, Dale & Son Furniture Co., Deb’s Crocheting, From My Garden, From This to That, FrosTeaz, Generations Cider Company, The Hearth Loaf, The Herb Filled Homestead, Hobby Acre Stained Glass, Holy Roller Pie Company, Humming Bee Honey, I Love Crepes, Kitchenlicious, Little Acres Ranch, London Brewing Cooperative, Matthew Dietrich Art, Monk N Me Creationz, Mr. & Mrs. Bao Foodtruck, New Moon Community Homestead, Red Shepherd Homemade Dog Treats, Shake the Sugar Tree, Stonetown Cheese, Student Volunteers selling Heeman’s Strawberries, Sunshine Cake Studio, Sweetopia Bakery, That ScrunchEE Life, True North Mushrooms, Uncle Dad’s Pizza, Unique Jewellery by Helen, Van Gaalen Custom Designs, Village Soap Factory, Watkin Spices, and Wow Pierogies Ukraine.
While some vendors will be there every Saturday, others will attend occasionally. To see which vendors will be in attendance each Saturday; you can check the calendar on the market’s website: www.ildertonfarmersmarket.com FREE YOGA AT THE MARKET! Andria of Mindful Misfits Yoga has generously offered to lead some FREE yoga classes at our market. There is no need to pre-register, just show up with your yoga mat. Classes will take place every Saturday morning at 9:30.
FARMERS MARKET Est. 2012
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on June 15, 22. July 6, 20, 27. August 10. September 7, 14, 21, 28. October 5, 12.
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King of the Roost by John Caverhill Somehow, along the way, the terms, “chicken” and “chicken- hearted”, have evolved into derogatory terms used to describe those who are timid or “afraid to take a chance”. I started the preceding sentence with the word “somehow” because anyone who has seen a mother hen fly into action in defence of her baby chicks, or a couple of roosters each battling to dominate the other, knows that timidity is not a part of their makeup. For a few years back in the 1950s, the barnyard of our neighbour, Elliott Shipley, was dominated by a large rooster who quickly dispelled any ideas one might have had concerning timid chickens. He feared “neither man nor beast” as he strode roosterfully about the barnyard, a supreme example of rampant male chauvinism. He demanded and accepted as his right, instant and abject obedience from all members of his harem. Any hen unfortunate enough to attract his amorous advances would fly squawking to the far side of the barnyard after the brief copulatory confrontation ended in an explosion of feathers hitherto attached to the hen. The stature of this bird and his belligerent approach to life combined with the malevolent glare from his eyes never failed to impress those who saw him. His whole aspect was that of one who, thoroughly disillusioned with his fate, would sneer, and spit out the side of his beak at any rhapsodizing about the beauty of life. The poor fellow, however, had good reason to be disillusioned with his lot in life. Most of us have experienced sunburn which can vary from mildly uncomfortable to extremely painful. The expression, “Sore as a sunburned neck” obviously originated from someone who experienced the malady on one of the more vulnerable and uncomfortable parts of the human anatomy. To have complained about a sunburned neck to this rooster would have been like complaining to Noah about an upset pail of water. During his early chickenhood, he had fallen victim to some malady that left him completely bereft of feathers except for a thin downy fringe around his neck, a ridiculous tuft on his tail, and a few tattered specimens on the end of each wing. The resulting exposure to the elements, especially the sun, had left his skin a fiery red and if one could have painted his temper, I am sure it would have been equally fiery red. At the time of this story, the big fellow was concluding his second year as boss of the barnyard. Getting maximum egg production requires the annual replacement of your flock of laying hens. Back in the days when most farms had laying hens, the general custom was to buy baby chicks each spring and by mid-fall, they had matured to the point where they started to out-produce
the previous hens which were then sold to make way for the new flock. Arnold Paisley of Ilderton operated his own trucking business and each fall many local farmers called on him to truck their flocks of old hens to the local meat-processing plants such as Coleman’s in London. On this particular day, the loading of the Shipley flock had just been completed, and Arnold was enjoying a cup of tea in the kitchen before departing with his load. Elliott excused himself, slipped out to the barn, grabbed the rooster which he had trapped the night before and slipped it into the top chicken crate on the load. Shortly after, Arnold departed with his load, leaving the barnyard which seemed strangely quiet to the young hens. During chores the next morning, Elliott’s curiosity was roused by an unusual commotion rising from the chickens out in the barnyard. Stepping around the corner of the barn, he was confronted by a large, naked, sunburned rooster. Like the cat who came back, his rooster had likewise returned and was wasting no time in re- establishing himself as ruler of the barnyard. While the Shipleys were at breakfast, the phone rang. It was Arnold with a story to tell. The day before at the packing plant, they were just going to start unloading the hens when they came face-to-face with the head and neck of a rooster sticking out from between the slats of the top crate. Judging from the indignant glare of his eyes, this rooster was not a happy bird. According to Arnold, the workers refused to take the bird when they saw in all his sunburned glory, claiming that even soup made from him would be so tough it would break a spoon. Arnold concluded by saying he was sure the rooster was a family pet who had ended up in the shipping crate by mistake, so he returned the bird late at night not wanting to disturb the Shipley family while they were asleep. Eliott countered that while he appreciated Arnold’s thought- fulness, he had hoped to get double the regular price for the rooster because, in addition to being de-feathered, he was also parboiled! And so, the boss of the barnyard was home to stay. Elliott claimed that his close encounter with the soup kettle left him a better bird. As for the rest of us, while the old fellow seemed as irascible and domineering as ever, one couldn’t help admiring his indomitable spirit as he strode amongst his harem unbowed by the slings of fate.
03/02/2024, 18:14
Rhythm-n-Box-logo-2.png
Unique group fitness classes, specialized programs for people with Parkinson’s and age 50+ Morning Movement classes. Pickleball court and Bernardo Karate!
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 .
(548) 388-2020 Info@rhythmnbox.com • rhythmnbox.com
Page 8 Ilderton and Area Villager • June 2024
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https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#search/logo/KtbxLvHgQGmTvLQbHVvpFsplGVnlkPjdvq?projector=1&messagePartId=0.1
1/1
Council Communications It’s hard to believe it’s June already, almost halfway through 2024! A few reports of interest from the last few municipal council meetings:
The study projects the cost of increased pressure on infrastructure such as roads, water mains, etc. that come from growth and are charged to new buildings, whether residential, industrial or farm. A public meeting is scheduled for May 22. For further information, please check the Middlesex Centre website at middlesexcentre.ca Summer recreation programming, road closures for paving or culvert repairs, or Enviro information can all be found online as well. Dates to keep in mind for June: The Ilderton Farmers’ Market opens June 8 at the new location at Community Bible Church on Meadowcreek Drive. The Poplar Hill Picnic is June 8 and the Ilderton Fair Beef BBQ is June 13 at Ilderton Arena (tickets available at Floral Temptations). For Canada Day events on July 1st, check the Middlesex Centre website / Bryanston-Birr Optimists. The Tri-County Heritage Show will be held at the Ilderton fairgrounds on July 12, 13 and 14. Enjoy the summer and remember to shop local! Happy Fathers’ Day!
The Ilderton Arena will see some badly- needed updates between this summer and next, including change room im- provements, lobby improvements, chiller and electrical updates, and the public viewing area (yeah, heaters!) With funds from the Build Middlesex Centre Reserves, Council approved the purchase of the old CIBC property for $475,000+ costs, with the intent to work with current and prospective businesses to invest in Main Street and create a thriving local economy. There were 11 applications for 2024 Community Improvement Program funds of which five were local: Active Chiropractic, Fringe Hair and Urbshott Insurance for signage or awnings, Larry Ducharme for eaves troughing of the building housing Floral Temptations, and Little off the Top and Melville United Church for new front doors. (The Community Improvement Program provides up to $5000 or 50% of costs, whichever is less. The application deadline is March 31 annually.) Ilderton’s 150th anniversary is coming up in 2026. Middlesex Centre is making plans now! The Development Charges study continues. An update is required by July per provincial guidelines, pending any changes to Bill 185.
Debbie Heffernan, Councillor Ward 1, Middlesex Centre 519.666.0491 • heffernan@middlesexcentre.ca www.middlesexcentre.ca
HAPPY CANADA DAY!
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Ilderton and Area Villager
June 2024 • Page 9
Ailsa Craig’s Incredible History by Ron Walker, former Curator of the North Middlesex Historical Society
Most small towns in southwestern Ontario, or Canada for that matter, had similar beginnings, a hamlet or village, hewn out of the bush, and growth spurred by the arrival of the railroad. Ailsa Craig began in the same way. David Craig established his home in Ailsa Craig in 1838, as this area had started to open up and be settled. The location of the Village was nestled in a valley created by a hill to the west and circled by the Aux Sable River, now known as the AuSable, which was a perfect spot to establish a village. This area was a wealth of lush pastureland and great stands of Oak and Elm. David Craig was the first man to arrive and stake claim to lot 20 Concession 5 of McGillivray Township, which was at that time part of Huron County, on the north side of Main Street. Mr. Craig lived here for a few years, with his wife, and children. In 1858, Mr. Craig planned Craig’s Station; but with another office of that name existing, the name had to be changed. He along with T. Atkinson Senior, gave the present name, deriving it from the rock at the mouth of the Clyde. Mr. William Shipley owned Lot 20 Con 20 of East Williams Township, which is on the south side of Main Street. In 1858, Mr. Craig and Mr. Shipley began selling lots for what is now known as Ailsa Craig. The Village grew very quickly following the arrival of the Grand Trunk Railroad in 1860, and in 1874 was officially incorporated. Many businesses became active, including a flour mill, grist mill, flax mill, and two brick and tile yards to name a few. Because the area had such rich farmland and available grassland, the agricultural industry became very important. At one point we had the largest cattle shipping yards east of Calgary, as well as one of the largest log shipping yards in the Empire, with logs of Oak and Rock Elm going to England for shipbuilding. In 1875, Christopher Cusick’s Western Hotel, A. D. Campbell’s Railroad Exchange, Hector C. Munro’s Farmers’ Hotel, Angus Munro’s Ailsa Craig Hotel, and Mary Coulter’s Royal Hotel, were the hotels of the village. Liquor licenses were also issued in 1875 to Duncan Gray and Wm. H. Neville. Ailsa Craig has been important for some significant innovations. The plans for the original McLaughlin Buick were drawn up in a house on George Street, and at this location, the honey
centrifuge was invented, and the basis of this implementation is still being used today. Stock car racing in southwestern Ontario got its start in Ailsa Craig around the same time as Nilestown. Stewart’s Seeds was located in Ailsa Craig, and if it hadn’t been for the development of various new strains of oats and barley through this business, it is said we would not have been able to grow either one of these crops. At one time, Stewart Seeds had labs and fields in Mexico, allowing for longer growing seasons and rapid progression of the new varieties. This year Ailsa Craig celebrates 150 years since incorporation, although the Municipality has not existed since 2000. Please join us as we celebrate the anniversary on July 25, 26 and 27. Black & White photos compliments of The North Middlesex Historical Society. Bottom: both of Main Street looking west. Above: Main Street 1894, and Craig Station.
Ailsa Craig 150th & Gala Da
To advertise here, please contact Tami@villagerpublications.com Ailsa Craig 150th Anniversary Sponsors: Friend Sponsors; A Touch of Country B&B, Action Financial Group, CDS Pharmacy Ailsa Craig, Earl S. Ross Inc., Hensall Co-op, James A Walsh Sales, Larry Miles Electric, North Middlesex Historical Society, The Crown & Turtle Pub and VON Middlesex-Elgin.
Page 10 Ilderton and Area Villager • June 2024
Remembering the Legacy – Ailsa Craig Gala Days and the Turtle Racing Tradition by Tessa de Almeida In the quaint town of Ailsa Craig, nestled in the heart of Southwestern Ontario, a beloved tradition was born out of the creative minds and community spirit of a few individuals. The year was 1974, and the town was gearing up for its centennial celebrations. It was during this time that Charles Garrod, along with Douglas Williams and Doug McNair, conceived an idea that would capture the hearts and imaginations of generations to come – turtle racing. The inspiration for turtle racing came from an unexpected source – a visit to Boissevain, Manitoba, where the Great Turtle Derby was held. Charles Garrod, affectionately known as Charlie in town, and his wife Ruth witnessed the spectacle of turtle racing and were immediately taken by the excitement it generated. Upon their return to Ailsa Craig, they shared their experience with fellow members of the Recreation Committee. With enthusiasm brewing, the decision was made to bring turtle racing to Ailsa Craig. In 1974, during the town’s centennial year, the first turtle race was held in front of Charlie’s shoe store on Main Street. What started as a small-scale event quickly gained momentum, as the community embraced the quirky and entertaining spectacle of turtles racing towards the finish line on a wooden board. Impressed by the overwhelming response, the organizers decided to elevate the event further. In 1975, a tower with a starting gate was constructed, transforming turtle racing into a grand affair. Constructed from household materials like an
ice cream tub, rope, and pipes, the tower added a touch of spectacle to the races, drawing crowds from far and wide. Throughout the years, Ailsa Craig Gala Days became renowned for its turtle racing, drawing visitors from far and wide. More than just a contest, it evolved into a jubilant testament to community unity and fellowship. Families converged to support their cherished turtles, forging enduring memories to treasure for generations. However, as times changed and regulations evolved, the tradition of turtle racing faced challenges. In 2010, the Gala Days Committee received the news that turtle racing would no longer be permitted. Despite this setback, the spirit of Gala Days remained undimmed. The community rallied together, determined to uphold the tradition of fun and festivity that had become synonymous with Ailsa Craig Gala Days. As the town prepares to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Gala Days, they reflect on the roots and traditions that have shaped this cherished event. While turtle racing may no longer be a part of the festivities, its legacy lives on in the hearts of those who fondly remember the excitement and joy it brought to Ailsa Craig. In honour of Charlie Garrod and his contributions to the community, the 2024 Gala Days Committee introduced “Charlie” the Turtle as the official mascot of Gala Days. With his shell full of memories and his heart brimming with community pride, Charlie embodies the spirit of friendship and tradition that defines Ailsa Craig Gala Days. As we look ahead to the future, let us remember the past and celebrate the enduring legacy of this event.
Top Left – Charlene McNair-Kestle, Ailsa Craig 150th Anniversary Highland Games Coordinator, “Charlie” the Turtle, Tessa de Almeida, Gala Days 50th Anniversary Chairman. Bottom Left: Gala Days Turtle Starting Gate – 1976, with Doug McNair as Turtle Announcer and Doug Williams as Turtle Starter up top. Top Right: Ailsa Craig Original 1976 Gala Days Turtle Club. Back Row from left: Orville Hooper, Tye Barnes, Charlie Garrod, Murray Proctor, Dave Collins, Doug Williams, Peter Kraft. Front Row from left: Rick McFadden, Owen Bice, Jim Walsh, and Doug McNair. Bottom Left: Doug McNair and his two daughters Charlene and Laurie fishing for turtles in the Gala Days Parade 1976. All the above-noted photos are compliments of Charlene McNair. Bottom Right: Gala Days Band – circa 1981, compliments of Dan McCoy.
Days 2024 Event Sponsors
To advertise here, please contact Tami@villagerpublications.com Gala Days 50th Anniversary Sponsors: Axiom Mutual Insurance (Exeter), Municipality of North Middlesex, Larry Miles Electric, Execulink, MNP (Strathroy), Robinson Farm Drainage, Action Financial Group (Ailsa Craig), Ailsa Craig Legion, Ailsa Craig Village Association, A-Z Events, and Dennings (Ailsa Craig).
Ilderton and Area Villager
June 2024 • Page 11
Ailsa Craig Arts Centre (ACAC) Kid’s Summer Camp – Fun with Fibre! by ACAC Does your youngster love to explore ways to create and ex- press themselves? The Ailsa Craig Arts Centre Fun with Fibre Summer Camp is suitable for ages 9 to 15 years and will be led by Ms. Doreen Kool, a retired secondary school art teacher for the Thames Valley School Board, and a talented mixed media artist in her own right.
Students will use unique and colourful beads and turn them into fashion accessories; They will learn the art of macrame, as well as master a few basic embroidery stitches and use them in endless ways to de- corate fabric or embellish clo-
Please send a packed lunch, drinks, and snacks. Prepare the kids for the outdoors with a hat, sunscreen, water bottle, and a frisbee. Be ready on day two as they give new life to a faded favourite by bringing one or more garments that they would like to decorate and personalize (optional). On days three and four they need to wear clothing that can be stained or bring a painting smock or apron. Camp starts Monday, July 8, 2024, and ends
thing items; Create batik designs on fabric by using dye and hot wax; Stencil, stamp and play creatively in printing with pre- made designs and letters; Work directly on clothing to give new life to faded favourites or create new fabrics; Transform their handcrafted fabrics into a bag, pillow, or something else that they dream up. Each day will feature structured learning and outdoor time (weather permitting). They will also have an opportunity to play with mixed media and explore their own inspirations to create something unique. They will visit a local park where they can run off some steam or work outside on some of the crafts. Each day includes casual teaching of additional methods based on interest. The possibilities are endless.
Friday, July 12, 2024, from 9:30 am until 3:30 pm daily at the Ailsa Craig Arts Centre, 160 D Main Street, Ailsa Craig. For more information and registration, please visit ailsacraigartscentre.wildapricot.org or email ailsacraigartscentre@gmail.com
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Page 12 Ilderton and Area Villager • June 2024
To advertise here, please contact Tami@villagerpublications.com
Artists’ Alley Weaving with Marsha McIntyre Davidson Marsha McIntyre Davidson has been weaving for approximately nine years. The accomplished weaver is actively involved with both the Strathroy and Sarnia Weavers and Spinners Guilds. A self-taught artisan, she enjoys weaving and natural dyeing in her home studio in Grand Bend. Recently she conducted a weaving class over three days at the Ailsa Craig Arts Centre (ACAC). “I have always been drawn to the fibre arts and for me weaving on a multi shaft loom allows me unlimited possibilities,” she explained. “There are many creativity parameters involved – colour, texture, weave structure and design. I am thrilled to be able to share my passion at the Ailsa Craig Art Centre with other fibre enthusiasts. Attending a beginners weaving course is a great way to try the craft before deciding if you are ready to get your own loom.” Follow the ACAC website to learn of upcoming weaving and other classes.
Marsha’s most recent class at the Ailsa Craig Arts Centre. The class learned how to dress the loom and weave a cotton bread bag. Teaching looms are provided for each participant.
Marsha at home.
EXHIBITS: April 27 – June 6 “From Mountain Sides to Ocean Tides” with photographer Natasha Kirmse.
Come and check us out!
Visit our gift shop featuring handmade cards, and work from previous exhibitors and local artisans. June 8 – July 18 “Sometimes My Needle Breaks” with textile artist Becky Menzies. MONTHLY GROUPS : Writing Group, Book Club, Water Colour Group (Monday mornings), Sewing Social (1st Tuesday of the month), Card Making (2nd Tuesday of the month) AND our Youth Program (YACAC) first Wednesday of the month. Check the calendar on our website! UPCOMING CLASSES: Multishaft Weaving, Willow Garden Obelisk, Intuitive Abstract Painting, and more! Becky Menzies 160D Main Street, Ailsa Craig • Open 1 – 4 pm every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.
For a full schedule of classes go to ailsacraigartscentre. wildapricot.org
To advertise here, please contact Tami@villagerpublications.com
Ilderton and Area Villager June 2024 • Page 13
Poplar Hill Lions – Wheelchair Swing Fundraiser
just sitting on the sidelines watching, not able to participate. Some required two to three people to lift them and I thought this just wasn’t right and not fair. They just wanted to have fun too and this swing can also be used by adults!” The Poplar Hill Lions have raised $15,000 so far since last summer in just bottles and cans and are still accepting them daily at 9883 Ilderton Rd (corner of Egremont Rd and Ilderton Rd. Just look for the sign). You can drop them off anytime. Other area businesses and service clubs are donating funds to help bring this project to reality. There is nothing like this in London and the surrounding area, and once it is installed, everyone in a wheelchair can enjoy it with their families, and friends will be able TO SWING TOO! If you would like to donate to their project the GO FUND ME is: www.gofundme.com/f/we-want-to-swing-too.
Despite it being a rainy day on Saturday, May 11, the Poplar Hill Lions hosted an event with a free BBQ, and The Misfit Toys donated their live music for everyone to enjoy, to help raise funds to purchase and install a wheelchair swing in Poplar Hill Park. We Go Swing, a company from Paris Ontario, sells a wheelchair swing, accessible by rolling right up onto the platform, and locking in the handles that can accommodate more than one person at a time, and includes a bench for other family or friends to join in with them. The cost of the wheelchair swing is $80,000. This project was spearheaded by Lion Rick Castle who lives near the park and said “I saw many parents, grandparents and caregivers struggling to lift their children and teenagers out of their wheelchairs and put them onto regular swings, and others
We Go Swing
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Page 14 Ilderton and Area Villager • June 2024
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Local Lion Receives Prestigious Award by Lion Murray McDonald At the January 24, 2023, meeting of the Ilderton and District Lions Club, Lion Meredith “Skip” Charlton was the recipient of the highest award given to Lions, the Melvin Jones Fellowship award. Lion Skip is a charter member of the Ilderton and District Lions and has been since 1954. Skip continues his service into his 69th year.
Pictured receiving the award, Lion Skip Charlton, flanked by Lion Club President Brendan Colafranceschi, and committee chair Lion Nick Cake. About Our Melvin Jones Fellowship Award Lions Clubs International recognizes outstanding individuals by be- stowing on them an award that is named for its founder, Melvin Jones. This Fellowship Award is the highest form of recognition and embodies humanitarian ideas consistent with the nature and purpose of Lionism. The recipient of this award becomes a model because of the exemplary service to his club and the community for which it serves.
House Numbers Garden Rocks Laser Etching Water Fountains Business Entrances Cemetery, Pet and Tree Memorials
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Ilderton and Area Villager June 2024 • Page 15
One Room Schools by Carol Small, Middlesex Centre Archives
Awww! The one-room rural school! The memories! The Christmas Concerts and Arbour Days! Who can forget? Nostalgia often means seeing the past through rose-coloured glasses. One can certainly do that with the one-room rural school. In pioneer settlements, the church and school were often the first structures built after the primary shelter was erected. In many communities, they were the same building, and the schoolmaster was often the local minister. At first, they were rudimentary log cabins with split-log benches and desktops.
1916 class (002) (London Township)
To advertise here, please contact Tami@villagerpublications.com By 1965, Township Boards were mandated. The one-room schools closed their doors for education. They were put on the auction block, and many were modified to become homes, with ink spots on the floor being the focal point for embellished stories. The stage has been set for the most important aspect of schools – learning. The next part of the one-room rural school story will examine that. tasked with supplying wood for the stove. The school was often the focal point of the community. Fanshawe Pioneer Village has great examples of the log and stone/brick rural schools. These structures that dotted the countryside were places of learning for most rural children prior to the central schools of the 1960s. Grades 1 to 8 were common, and before continuation and high school, they were often grades 1 to 10. Student populations ranged from 10 to 60 or 70, and sometimes more in the pre-1900 era. All were housed in one room with one teacher. The late Don McIntosh, Superintendent of Schools for the former Middlesex County Board of Education, recounted in his essay, The Transformation of Rural Education , that the value the community placed on education was evident in the upkeep of the building. Some schools were bright, shining diamonds; others had not seen paint in many years and were wood-smoke grey inside. Although school buildings were prized when new, the 1930s Depression Years forced local school section trustees to further limit their budgets and tax levies. Some school sections maintained their buildings with volunteer work and financial sacrifice; others simply did little and lost the habit of upkeep. So was the start of a downward spiral that affected not only the condition of the building but more importantly, the quality of education that happened within. In the beginning, students were expected to purchase their own supplies, including textbooks and slates. Eventually, school boards took over the role of supplying textbooks as the provincial government mandated curriculum and recommended “approved-for-grants” textbooks. However, consumable supplies in many schools were still the responsibility of the parents. Some families were very large and simply could not afford a full- compliment of supplies for each child. Pencils became stubs; ink, pens, erasers etc. were shared. Teachers, on their very limited salaries, often supplemented supplies. Meagre school libraries suffered greatly during and after the Depression Years. Well-worn books were usually not replaced, and certainly, few new ones were purchased.
2015.0011-V.18-020 S. S. 6 Lobo Shipley School 1890s (Lobo Township)
Later, in the late 1860s to 1880s, brick or stone schoolhouses, with a few more amenities, were erected. These new buildings had blackboards, large windows, a wood stove, a wood box, and outhouses or maybe indoor chemical toilets. The pail-a-day toilets, often placed in the vestibules at the entry to the school, gave a less than welcoming odour to visitors. To give more heat, the stove pipes ran the length of the school. This proved exciting when the pipes caught fire or a bird’s nest clogged the chimney and filled the classroom with smoke. A stage across the front of the room served two purposes. It elevated the teacher’s desk to get great site-lines of the room and also served as the stage for the infamous Christmas Concerts. Student desks were fastened to the floor in rows with usually three sizes to accommodate the primary, middle grades and senior students. Water was carried in a pail from a well pump on the property or from a neighbour’s well. Often students drank from a communal dipper. Later, the pail was replaced by a water tank with a tap added. A woodshed was also on the property, as the school section members were
SS#5 1921 (2) 2014.0032 (Delaware Township)
Page 16 Ilderton and Area Villager • June 2024
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Ilderton and Area Villager June 2024 • Page 17
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