Hyde Park- Oakridge Villager September 2025 ISSUE 93
EDITION! ILDERTON and area
SPECIAL
Fall Maintenance Tips 1. As summer fades and fall approaches, it’s a good time to keep up with your vehicle’s maintenance. First off, consider replacing your wiper blades annually, especially before winter hits, so they’re ready when the weather turns nasty. 2. Don’t forget about your spare tire; it can lose pressure depending on where it’s stored, whether it’s under the car, on the back, or in the trunk. 3. Also, check your battery connections since loose or corroded ones can lead to starting problems down the line. 4. With longer nights ahead, make sure your headlights are bright enough to light your way. 5. Lastly, keep an eye on your tire pressure and remember to rotate your tires every 10,000 kilometers to ensure they wear evenly and last longer.
2117 Aldersbrook Road (Wonderland & Aldersbrook) London, ON 519-473-0510 Road (Wonderland & Aldersbrook) London, ON puterized service information and models of vehicles hwest London ailable ighbourhoodautoplus.com 2117 Aldersbrook Road (Wonderland & Aldersbrook) London, ON 519-473-0510 • Licensed Technicians you’ve trusted since 1979 • 6 service bays • Up to date computerized service information on most makes and models of vehicles • 42 years in Northwest London • Tire Storage Available GOOGLE US neighbourhoodautoplus.com • Licensed Technicians you’ve trusted since 1979 • 6 service bays • Up to date computerized service information on most makes and models of vehicles • 42 years in Northwest London • Tire storage available • Licensed Technicians you’ve trusted since 1979 • 6 service bays • Up to date computerized service information on most makes and models of vehicles • 42 years in Northwest London • Tire Storage Available GOOGLE US neighbourhoodautoplus.com d Technicians you’ve trusted since 1979 ebays ate computerized service information makes and models of vehicles in Northwest London rage Available E US neighbourhoodautoplus.com Photos Anthony Gentile Photography rsbrook Road (Wonderland & Aldersbrook) London, ON 510 Photo Anthony Gentile Photography ON cians you’ve trusted since 1979
Page 2 Hyde Park – Oakridge Villager • September 2025
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Message from the Mayor by Mayor Josh Morgan mayor@london.ca 519-661-4920
new drainage for storms. I’m grateful for the strong relationships built with partners at all levels of government and the results they continue to deliver for London. Throughout our city, we’re unveiling great new park enhancements in our neighbourhoods, from Murray Park to Hastings, White Oaks and many more. The best part is that, along with improvements like new swings and play equipment, basketball nets and courts, pathways, and benches, we’re celebrating the occasion with community parties at each location. There are still several more to announce, so keep checking my social media and the city’s to join an event near you and see how we’re developing where we live and play. Along with our continuing downtown revitalization plan and the announcement of our new emergency services campus, there’s no summer downtime at City Hall, and that’s how we like it.
Hey London! I hope everyone has been having a great summer and enjoying the beautiful sunshine, whether you’re gardening at one of our public plots, taking in the fanta- stic events downtown and across our community, or trying to stay cool at one of the city’s pools and splash pads. Amid all this summer fun, our city continues to work hard on exciting projects and supporting those events, and I’m happy to share some of the latest: We recently celebrated the completion of the Adelaide Underpass, one of the largest infrastructure projects in the history of London, to meet the needs of our growing city and get Londoners where they need to go faster, safer and easier. It’s an example of how we’re investing in the everyday lives of Londoners, with the underpass helping us all say goodbye to train delays and get to work, school pickup and appointments faster. Sunningdale Road will be getting a facelift thanks to an $18 million boost from the province. Along with promising opportunities for housing, we’ll be expanding the roadway from two to four lanes, adding new sidewalks, lighting and cycling lanes, and installing
London recently celebrated the completion of the Adelaide Underpass.
operate along Wonderland Road between Sarnia and Fanshawe Park Road, terminating at Masonville Place. The routing modi- fication will provide a single route covering the majority of the Wonderland Road corridor between Southdale Road and Fan- shawe Park Road. Additionally, the change provides service to Masonville Place with Route 10 during all operating periods. A new Route 127 will be introduced, providing service between Western University and the Capulet and Oxford area. The Route will operate seven days a week during the University School year, providing frequency between 11 and 30 minutes. Route 90 will see frequency improvements on Sundays during all operating periods. Shelters/Stops The following area locations will see shelters installed: As your City Councillor, I remain committed to advocating for safe routes to school and strong partnerships between our schools and neighbourhoods. Please share your thoughts with me on how we can improve transit and active transportation, you can email me at crahman@london.ca Wishing everyone a safe, successful, and inspiring school year ahead! Yours in Community, Corrine Rahman • Aldersbrook at Brunswick SB • Wonderland north of Farrah SB • Wonderland at Sarnia NB
Ward 7 Update by Corrine Rahman, Ward 7 City Councillor crahman@london.ca • 226-577-3774 Hello Neighbours, As the school year begins, I want to extend my warmest wishes to all stu- dents, families, educators, and school staff across London. A reminder to take
extra precautions now that roads are busier. Help avoid collisions and make sure students get to school and back home safely by observing traffic signals and signs, slowing down around schools and stopping at crosswalks and for school buses. As a community, we continue to encourage active transportation to school. You can find the “drive to five” signage in many area schools. This approach encourages parents to drop off their children at a location slightly further from the school, allowing students to walk the remaining distance. This practice reduces traffic congestion around the school, promotes physical activity for students, and can improve overall safety by minimizing the number of vehicles near the school entrance. To learn more about ways to improve active transportation to your neighbourhood school, visit: activesaferoutes.ca There are changes coming to area London Transit routes this Fall: Effective August 31, 2025, Route 10 will have modified routing to
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Hyde Park – Oakridge Villager • September 2025 • Page 3
The Village Vibe Six hand-painted pollinator barrels brightened up Gainsborough Road this summer and fall. Each barrel was uniquely painted by a local organization and planted with pollinator-friendly flowers, thanks to support from TD Friends of the Environment and the Hyde Park Business Improvement Association.
Fox Hollow Retirement Residence residents with their painted pollinator barrel. Hyde Park-Oakridge Villager (Special Ilderton Edition) Issue #93 September 2025 The 100% locally owned and produced Hyde Park-Oakridge 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: Cathy Wood Cathy@villagerpublications.com All articles by Cathy Wood unless otherwise noted. Advertising: Gloria Rae Gloria@VillagerPublications.com Debbie Mindorff Debbie@VillagerPublications.com Graphic Artist: Cathy Wood Distribution Ambassador: Nippy Watson 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.
Barrel by NWLRC
Barrel by Core Tutoring
Barrel by Let’s Talk Science
Barrel by Fox Hollow All Seniors Care Living Centre
Barrel by Jess Jones Recreational Therapy
Barrel by Oxford Learning Hyde Park
This 1933 Ford 5 Window Coupe was Perry Tremblay’s first car, purchased when he was 15 years old. He has now owned it for 52 years. Pictured at the Hyde Park Lions Country Cruizin’ event (left), it’s the third incarnation of the car. Perry rebuilt the car for the drag strip, eventually retiring it from racing and converting it into a street car. Learn more about Country Cruzin’ at countrycruizin.com. Photo courtesy of John New.
Article suggestions welcome! We’d love to hear from you. Contact Cathy at Cathy@villagerpublications.com
Cover photo and article suggestions welcome!
Page 4 Hyde Park – Oakridge Villager • September 2025
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Marathon of Sport to be held at Oakridge Secondary School
Marathon of Sport London will be held Saturday, October 18, 2025, from 9:30 am to 4 pm at Oakridge Secondary School. Organized by the national non-profit organization ‘motionball’, the event brings together participants of all abilities for a high-energy, full-day event of team-based sports. Local Special Olympics athletes will each join a team as they play against one another in friendly competition, in a variety of activities, including basketball, soccer, giant pong, benchball, and more. Registration is currently open at marathonofsport.com/getstarted.
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Last year’s event raised $26,000 for Special Olympics Canada Foundation, and organizers hope to surpass that this year, to help provide funding and visibility for local Special Olympics athletes. Participants will enjoy a light breakfast featuring coffee and fresh pastries, with lunch served between games. They will receive a motionball participant shirt, a motionball hat and a drink ticket for the official afterparty in downtown London. To learn more about how you can register and participate in motionball’s Marathon of Sport, visit: motionball.com/london.
The Wind Coming Over the Sea BY EMMA DONOGHUE Due to popular demand, we’ve added extra performances! SEPTEMBER 25 - OCTOBER 5 Presented by Carlyle Peterson Lawyers LLP Co-sponsored by Bi-Ax International Inc.
Playing This Season:
Sir John A: Acts of a Gentrified Ojibway Rebellion | By Drew Hayden Taylor The Wind Coming Over the Sea | By Emma Donoghue Quiet in the Land | By Anne Chislett Powers and Gloria | By Keith Roulston Radio Town: The Doc Cruickshank Story | By Nathan Howe
Reserve your seats: 1-877-862-5984 or blythfestival.com
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Hyde Park – Oakridge Villager • September 2025 • Page 5
ARTISTS ALLEY Gallery Painting Group
The Gallery Painting Group started in 1953 and currently counts 71 members. The group conducts paint-outs twice a week throughout the summer in locations in and around London. More than 400 of the paintings created this summer, in a variety of subjects and styles, will be featured at their annual art show to be held October 23 to 26 at First-St. Andrews Church. Everyone is welcome! Here are some paintings from recent paint-outs at Bloomin’ Bog and at Medway Creek. Learn more at www.gallerypaintinggroup.com and by following them on Facebook.
Page 6 Hyde Park – Oakridge Villager • September 2025
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Hyde Park – Oakridge Villager • September 2025 • Page 7 Coffee & Snacks are on us. rachel.mccauley@ www.edwardjone EXP 31 DEC 2023 © 2020 EDWA Join us rachel.mccauley@edwardjones.co www.edwardjones.ca/rachel-mcc EXP 31 DEC 2023 © 2020 EDWARD D. JONES & CO Coffee Club To help jump-start your day, join us for a cup of coffee and conversation at our next Coffee Club. The Coffee Club is an informal gathering to discuss current events, the economy and investing, in a relaxed, informal setting, and is a great way to get to know one another. Contact me today to register! We hope you and a guest will join us. Please call Rachel or Linda at 519-474-9356 or email rachel.mccauley@edwardjones.com or linda.skally@edwardjones.com by the Tuesday prior to Coffee Club. Please call 519-474-9356 or email rachel.mccauley@edwardjones.com by the Tuesday prior to Coffee Club. November 26th, 2022 9:30am - 11:00am December 10th, 2022 9:30am - 11:00am Edward Jones � � London, ON N6H 5 519-474-9356 Event Details Coffee Club Join us for coffee, snacks and conversation at our next Coffee Club! October 29th, 2022 9:30am - 11:00am November 26th, 2022 9:30am - 11:00am September 27 • October 25 9:30–11:00am at the Byron Legion, 1276 Commissioners Rd. W. December 10th, 2022 9:30am - 11:00am Edward Jones > edw Rachel B McCau Financial Advisor 1634 Hyde Park Rd. Rachel B McCauley Financial Advisor 1634 Hyde Park Rd. London, ON N6H 5L7 519-474-9356 London, ON N6H 5L7 519-474-9356 - Unit 7 - Unit 7 Rachel B McCauley Financial Advisor 1634 Hyde Park Rd. rachel.mccauley@edwardjones.com www.edwardjones.ca/rachel-mccauley EXP 31 DEC 2023 © 2020 EDWARD D. JONES & CO., L.P. ALL RIG > edwardjones.ca EdwardJones ® EdwardJones ® Contact me to To help jump-start your day, join of coffee and conversation at our Club. The Coffee Club is an informal ga discuss current events, the econo investing, in a relaxed, informal se is a great way to get to know one Coffee Club To help jump-start your day, join us for a c of coffee and conversation at our next Cof Club. We hope you and a gues Rachel or Linda at 519-4 rachel.mccauley@edwar linda.skally@edwardjon to Coffee Club. Contact me today to r We hope you and a guest will join us. Rachel or Linda at 519-474-9356 or e rachel.mccauley@edwardjones.com o linda.skally@edwardjones.com by the to Coffee Club. We hope you and a guest will join us. Please cal Rachel or Linda at 519-474-9356 or email rachel.mccauley@edwardjones.com or linda.skally@edwardjones.com by the Tuesday to Coffee Club. Join us The Coffee Club is an informal gathering to discuss current events, the economy and investing, in a relaxed, informal setting, an is a great way to get to know one another. Contact me today to registe ‘Medway Creek’ in pastels, by Susan Moore. 1637 Hyde Park Rd. Unit 7 (SW corner of plaza near con London, ON N6H SL7 - Unit 7 � � Event Details October 29th, 2022 9:30am - 11:00am 1637 Hyde Park Rd. Unit 7 (SW corner of plaza near construction) London, ON N6H SL7
Page 6: Pat Curtis at Medway Creek. ‘Lilith and Lilly’ by Margaret Thornicroft. ‘Waterlilies’ by Marilyn Kidd and ‘Medway’ by Colleen Hanson. Page 7: Above, Waterlilly paintings by Marilyn Kidd and Susan Garrington, and at left, ‘Medway Creek’ by Ilona Burghardt.
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Rachel B McCauley Financial Advisor 1634 Hyde Park Rd.
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Extra, Extra! Students seize the stage for Grand Theatre High School Project: Disney’s Newsies Step into turn-of-the-century New York City, a time of skyscrapers and money makers, with Disney’s Newsies and the Grand Theatre High School Project. Famed for its imaginative and iconic dance sequences, this vibrant musical spectacular is based on the 1992 Disney motion picture, inspired by a true story, and features a Tony Award-winning score that includes songs such as Carrying the Banner , Seize the Day ,and King of New York . This September, more than fifty of London and area’s brightest young artists will seize the Grand Theatre’s Spriet Stage, under the direction of one of Canada’s most exciting and in-demand theatre artists, Ray Hogg. Hogg and students are joined by a team of professional artists recruited from across the province – from Stratford, to Toronto, to Niagara, to London’s own top talent Matthew Atkins as Music Director, Lisa Wright as Costume Designer, and Joshua Quinlan as Set Designer.
Newsies isn’t just a musical – it’s a glimpse into the grit, courage, and determination of young people fighting for fairness in a world stacked against them. “It’s about young people fully stepping into their leadership in an era of incredible social cohesion in North American history. It’s about speaking truth to power, seeking justice, and demanding equality. It’s about embracing fear and vulnerability for the sake of imagination and vision,” said Ray Hogg, Director of Newsies at the Grand Theatre. Disney’s Newsies plays on the Grand Theatre’s Spriet Stage from September 17 to 27, 2025. Single tickets range from $26 to $55 and are available by phone at 519-672-8800, in- person at the Box Office (471 Richmond Street), and online at grandtheatre.com/event/newsies. Don’t forget, Grand Theatre 2025/26 Season Subscribers save 15% when they add Disney’s Newsies to their season. Visit grandtheatre.com for tickets and more information. Let’s meet some of the Hyde Park – Oakridge area students who are bringing the show to life:
Lyla Worrall WATSON
Hayden Baertsoen ROMEO
“Growing up as someone who has always loved music and the arts, whether that meant at school or in general, this project helps me be able to continue that love and connect with others who share the same passion. Disney’s Newsies is a show that makes sure everyone is involved and I couldn’t be more excited to work with this amazing cast!”
“ Disney’s Newsies gives me a chance to express my creativity in ways I haven’t before, and so far, it has been so much fun. I recommend applying to the Grand Theatre High School Project to all students with even the slightest interest!”
Page 8 Hyde Park – Oakridge Villager • September 2025
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Shopping Local is Always in Season Buying locally grown fruit and vegetables supports local far- mers, fosters community resilience, reduces the pollution and expense of long-haul transportation and assures you can enjoy the immediate freshness of the summer and fall harvests. We may have a shorter growing season in Canada than some more southerly countries, but with good storage practices, canning and preserving, our locally-grown produce and meats can be enjoyed year-round. A list of local produce and their peak seasons may be found on the Crunican Orchards website at www.crunicanorchards.com including: asparagus and rhubarb in May, peaches and plums from July to September, pears from August to October, squash and pumpkin from October to December.
FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED FARM STORE
How the Schools Got Their Names Sir Frederick Banting Secondary School is named after Sir Frederick Banting (1891–1941), who served as a medical officer in the Royal Army Medical Corps during WWI. The maroon, navy and gold colours of the corps were adopted by the school. After the war, Banting practised medicine on Adelaide Street in London until 1921, before returning to the University of Toronto as a research assistant. In 1923, he was awarded the Nobel Prize for research leading to the discovery of insulin. Rather than seek a patent for the drug, he sold the rights to it to the University of Toronto for $1.00 as a means of ensuring that it could be available to all who needed it. Knighted in 1934, he was conducting research in aviation medicine when he was killed in an airplane crash. Visit your local farmers’ markets, stalls, and outlets and watch for local produce at your grocery store to stock up on local! The site offers advice for keeping your apples fresh: “Apples should be handled with the same care as you would eggs as they can bruise very easily. To keep the crunch in Ontario apples, store in perforated plastic bags in your refrigerator crisper. Cold, humid storage ensures that apples maintain their crispness, juicy texture and full flavour. Store small amounts in their original perforated plastic bag in the refrigerator. Larger quantities should be kept in a cool, dark, well-ventilated place such as a garage or fruit cellar. Cover loosely with plastic to keep humidity in the apple container.” Of course, fresh Fall apples can go into a pie and frozen, to warm up your home with enticing aromas when baking the pie mid-January!
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
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Hyde Park – Oakridge Villager • September 2025 • Page 9
ILDERTON and area Villager
Welcome to the inaugural Hyde Park-Oakridge / Ilderton and Area Villager Founded by Barb Botten, the Villager series of friendly neigh- bourhood-specific magazines strives to entertain, inform, build community and champion the shop local philosophy. ALL and ONLY about the LOCAL artisans and entrepreneurs, neighbours, events, businesses and non-profit endeavours in each edition, the 100% locally-owned and operated magazines are read cover-to-cover and kept for posterity to be referred to again. The special edition Hyde Park-Oakridge / Ilderton and Area issues, to be published four times a year – September, December, March and June – will be delivered by Canada Post to our usual more than 6,000 homes in Hyde Park and Oakridge – plus an additional 3,000+ homes in Ilderton and area, set out at local venues, and for further city-wide and beyond reach, posted online at www.villagerpublications.com – all at our regular single-edition rates for advertisers! Contact your local Villager advertising rep to get in on this special opportunity to stretch your market reach. We welcome your article suggestions and local scenic or event photography, and are happy to help promote community events too! Contact Cathy Wood at Cathy@VillagerPublications.com. Look for the regular Hyde Park-Oakridge Villager in October and November and the next special Ilderton edition in December!
Hello everyone, I hope you’ve all had an enjoyable summer and are looking forward to getting back to more normal sche- dules and routines! In the past few months, staff have been busy with seasonal activities as well as preparing for the Fall budget process that will set our municipal finances for 2026. I’ll be providing up- dates on this work as it progresses, but this month, I’d like to highlight a new policy. The Arts & Culture Policy, which came into effect on August 6, includes the following Vision statement:
with local organizations and businesses to promote the arts in our community. Arts and culture are an important part of our municipality’s identity. By supporting them, we are contributing to a con- nected and vibrant community, increasing tourism, and delivering many other benefits. I encourage you to explore the arts programs offered this fall across Middlesex Centre. You can find more information on the municipal website at middlesexcentre.ca/rec-programs or by contacting the office. If you have ideas for additional programs or ones you’d like to help with, please reach out to our recreation staff. As the harvest season continues, take advantage of our local markets and remember to mark the last weekend in September for the Ilderton Fair!
Aina DeViet, Mayor 519.666.0190 x 5234 deviet@middlesexcentre.ca www.middlesexcentre.ca
“To create a vibrant and inclusive arts and culture scene in Middlesex Centre that fosters creativity, supports local talent, and enhances the community’s quality of life by providing opportunities for artistic expression in areas of arts and culture.” In this policy, “Arts” includes visual, media, performing, and material arts, as well as civic arts, including landscape arch- itecture or urban design. “Culture” refers to the values, cus- toms, heritage, and traditions that characterize our com- munities. This new policy will guide the development and delivery of arts and culture programs for residents of all ages. Its goals include expanding the classes offered through the municipality’s recreation program and working collaboratively
FERNHILL FLORAL & DESIGN CO. OPEN HOUSE & FALL MARKET SATURDAY September 20th 10am – 3pm 10810 FERNHILL DRIVE, DENFIELD ONT. GRASS PARKING LOT, RAIN OR SHINE Great selection of local vendors and food truck! Browse our curated selection of home decor, fresh flowers, and antiques while supporting local vendors.
Page 1 Ilderton and Area Villager • September 2025
ILDERTON and area Villager
AROUND
TOWN
In July, the Tri-County Heritage Club presented their annual Heritage and Antique Show in Ilderton.
Poplar Hill Canada Day celebrations.
For possible inclusion here, email your local event photos / information to Cathy@VillagerPublications.com Ailsa Craig Highland Games & Scottish Festival, Saturday, July 26, 2025.
Page 2 Ilderton and Area Villager • September 2025
ILDERTON and area Villager
Councillor’s Corner by Jean Coles Ward 1 Councillor, Municipality of Middlesex Centre Coles@middlesexcentre.ca Hello Neighbours,
I would like to start by sending a heart- felt thank you to all the amazing volun- teers who make the Ilderton Fair such a special event year after year. Your de-
dication, hard work, and community spirit are what keep our traditions alive and thriving. I know so many of you spend countless hours behind the scenes, and it truly shows when we gather to celebrate. Looking ahead, I am excited to share that Ilderton will be cele- brating its 150th anniversary July 10 to 12, 2026. It will be a weekend full of special events, history and community pride. Mark your calendars now so you do not miss this once-in-a- lifetime milestone. This fall, both the Ilderton and Bryanston Community Centres are buzzing with activity. From fitness classes to arts and crafts and community workshops, there is something for everyone. Check the Municipality’s website for schedules and registration. Our Youth Centre continues to be a warm, welcoming space where local young people can connect, learn, and have fun. I encourage you to spread the word — more information is available at www.bgclondon.ca/rural. Cooler weather also means recreational skating is returning to the Ilderton Arena. Thanks in part to a $1 million grant from the Province of Ontario, the facility has undergone significant safety and accessibility upgrades that will benefit families and athletes for years to come. As harvest season ramps up, please remember to share the road with our farmers. Slowing down, giving space, and staying patient helps keep everyone safe. For updates, community news, and local happenings, please follow me on Facebook — Jean Coles, Councillor – Ward 1. I hope to see you out on the Rail Trail, enjoying the Farmers Market, or having fun at the Fair.
EXCEL PHARMACY
Your friendly neighbourhood pharmacy Looking for fast, friendly and reliable, local service? Call us to get your prescriptions transferred today! All Patients are Welcome! 4 Expert pharmacist advice 4 Vaccinations 4 Minor ailment prescribing 4 A wide range of over-the-counter products 4 Compliance packaging 4 Free local delivery 36 Heritage Drive, Ilderton 519-666-0440 Monday to Friday 9am–6pm • Saturday 9am–3pm
Painting at right: Ilderton Fair by Colleen Hansen
Local and passionate about flowers!
13236 Ilderton Road, P.O. Box 168 Ilderton floraltemptations.com • (519) 666-2032 Flowers, Plants and Gifts for all occassions Come in for Sunflowers and Fall Mums
Page 3 Ilderton and Area Villager • September 2025
ILDERTON and area Villager
Raising a Calf to Market: What It Takes to Show and Sell at the Ilderton Fair by Taylor Dale, Ilderton 4-H Beef Club Member Raising a calf from birth to a market-ready animal takes a sur- prising amount of time, effort, and care, especially when you’re preparing it for something as special as the Ilderton Fair. It’s not just about feeding an animal; it’s about getting them halter broke and growing their hair. For those who aren’t familiar with showing cattle, here’s a behind the scenes look at what it really takes. On our farm, calves are typically born between April and May. In those early days, they stay close to their mothers and are given time to grow strong. As summer arrives, they’re put out to pasture, spending their days grazing in the sunshine until October. This helps them grow healthy and build muscle while enjoying the freedom of the outdoors.
ILDERTON and area Villager The Village Vibe Pics from Iilderton Farmers Market, Tri-County Heritage & Antique Show, other events
even use a blower (yes, like a human hairdryer!) to dry and fluff their hair. It’s a daily routine that builds trust, patience, and presentation. When fall rolls around again and the Ilderton Fair is finally here, it’s showtime. But before we even enter the show ring, we’ve already been hard at work finding a buyer for our calf. Sometimes it’s a neighbour, a local equipment dealership, or even a family friend, anyone who’s willing to support youth in agriculture. Securing a buyer in advance ensures the animal has a home after the fair and allows us to focus on showing with confidence. Walking into the ring is the reward for months of dedication, training, and care. It’s a proud moment, showing a calf you’ve raised from day one, knowing someone believes in the work you’ve put in.
ILderton Ladies Social
Come fall, it’s time to wean the calves. This means they’re gradually separated from their mothers and start eating a more specialized feed to prepare them for the next stage. Around New Year’s, we carefully choose which calf we want to bring to the Ilderton Fair, our “show calf.” This animal gets a bit of special treatment, including a specific diet designed to help it gain weight and muscle in a healthy way. By spring, the real training begins. We start working closely with our show calf, slowly getting it halter broke, starting to grow their hair, and teaching it how to be comfortable around people and in the show ring. We tie them up daily and brush them, just like you’d brush your own hair. We wash them, practice walking them, and
Harrison Crossan would like to thank Dan Carpenter of Bren-Dan Farms for purchasing his 2024 Ilderton Fair Market Steer. See you at the Ilderton Market Livestock Show and Sale this year! Raising a market calf is about more than farming, it’s about care, commitment, and community. And at the Ilderton Fair, all that hard work gets to shine.
Page 4 Ilderton and Area Villager • September 2025
EXHIBITS: June 21 – July 31 “Moments in Time” featuring the work of the
Come and
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. To register, visit middlesexcentre.ca/rec-programs and use our online portal. If you have any questions, reach out to the Komoka Wellness Centre at 519-601-8022 ext. 5110 or email recreation@middlesexcentre.ca. AND! Over the fall, the Ilderton and Komoka Youth Centres will continue to welcome youth ages 9 to 17 for drop-in and spec- ialized programming. Note: Komoka Youth Centre’s drop-in will temporarily close in September during renovations at the Komoka Community Centre. Please see the website and watch social media for program updates. Glide into Autumn: Public Skating & Pick-Up Hockey Fall also brings the return of ska- ting and pick-up hockey (shinny) at Ilderton Arena and Komoka Wellness Centre. Skating pro- grams are available for all age groups – from preschoolers to older adults – and many weekend public skating sessions are free thanks to generous support from local sponsors. You can find the latest schedule at middlesexcentre.ca/skating. badminton, alongside returning favourites such as pickleball, yoga, youth soccer, line dancing, and Pilates. Activities are offered at community centres across the municipality. We’re also offering programs designed with older adults in mind, including low-impact and mobility-focused fitness classes, a cornhole league, and fraud prevention seminars.
HAVE YOUR SAY Building on the recently completed Middlesex Centre Trans- portation Master Plan, the Active Transportation Plan will identify key municipal infrastructure needs over the next 20 years, including sidewalks, trails, and bike lanes. The goal is to boost safety and make it easier for residents of all ages and abilities to navigate their neighbourhoods. Middlesex Centre – Municipal Minute Community Updates from Middlesex Centre Active Transportation Plan – Neighbourhoods in Motion Middlesex Centre is laying the groundwork for a healthier, more connected community with its new Active Transportation Plan. Active transportation means getting around using people- powered methods like walking, biking, skateboarding, and non-motorized wheelchair use – ways that support wellness, sustainability, and accessibility. Your feedback matters as we create the plan! A public survey will launch this fall for you to share ideas and priorities. Whether you’re a daily walker, weekend rider, or simply care about your neighbourhood’s future, your input will help shape a plan that works for everyone. Visit middlesexcentre.ca/ATP to learn more and get involved. Find Your Fun! Middlesex Centre Fall Recreation Programs Looking for local fitness, sports and arts programs? Middlesex Centre’s fall recreation lineup includes exciting new programs like fitness boot camp, multi-media arts, and adult and family
Page 5 Ilderton and Area Villager • September 2025
ILDERTON and area Villager
My First School Bus Ride or Swing Slow, Sweet Chariot! by John Caverhill It was the first day of the new school term in January 1949. I was in grade 8, so starting a new school term wasn’t novel, but this time it was different. Barely three weeks prior, on December 16th, our schoolhouse, S.S. #7 Bear Creek School, and all its contents had burned to the ground just before our annual Christmas Concert. Wasting no time, the trustees rented the former Coldstream Continuation School, no longer in use as a school because rural pupils were being bused to high school in London. Arrangements were also made to transport the pupils to school at a cost of $10 daily from January to the end of June. As a result, instead of walking down the road to school, I was waiting at the end of our laneway for my first bus ride to the school at Coldstream. I was familiar with the basic bright yellow school bus, which has changed little in appearance over the years. The high school bus had passed along the town line an hour before to get the high school pupils to London on time, so I knew the next bus would be for me. As I waited, an army truck turned onto our road. I gave it only a glance; army trucks sold as war surplus were common on many farms after the war. This one, however, pulled to a stop in front of me. Still in its wartime gray-green camouflage, it stood there, massive and solid. Its square engine hood was backed by a high driver’s cab, and a tall rectangular box filled the cargo area behind the cab. Huge knobby-tired wheels carried the whole thing. Like many army trucks built in wartime Canada, it was designed for use in British army convoys, so it had right-side steering. The driver grinned down from his open window and instructed me, “Go ‘round to the back, climb up, open the door, hop in and close the door behind you.” The first of the few modifications to make the ‘bus’ suitable for kids struck my eye when I rounded the back corner. Two heavy iron steps projected down from the floor of the box. The bottom step had been welded on so young kids could reach and clamber into the truck. A set of double doors, the left door bolted shut, gave access to the passenger compartment. The steps led to the right-side door. A heavy handle on the left door gave you something to grasp as you hauled yourself up. Inside, a wooden bench ran around the two sides and the front of the compartment. Luxury was represented by thin foam-rubber padding covered with black fabric on the bench; this offered some, but not much, comfort to young posteriors. A small window at the front provided a communication link between passengers and driver. A larger window in each door provided some light, but because of their location, no view. The truck, a ‘two tonner’, was built to carry a dozen soldiers with all their gear and the total weight would be 1 ½ tons or more. Our school had 19 kids from grade one through eight, and even when we all jumped up and landed together, the floor didn’t even quiver. So we jolted and jarred our way to and from school each day. As a crowning factor, our palace on wheels was unheated and uninsulated, so the interior temperatures matched those outside – except in June. Morning conditions weren’t too bad,
but on those hot, muggy afternoons common to June, it was heaven when the ‘bus’ reached your house and you stepped out into the open air. While it had its shortcomings as a school bus, it was reliable. With its powerful engine driving those big wheels and its high clearance, we never missed a single day because of road conditions. That winter was mostly open, but on the few heavy snow days that occurred, a three-foot drift meant nothing to that beast. We actually began to feel rather proud of its ability to cope with whatever came its way. Nonetheless, none of us was sorry when our last ride closed an eventful school year. Drive slow, sweet chariot, carrying us schoolkids to our homes… Drive slow, sweet chariot, ‘cause when you don’t, it’s hard on our tailbones!
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 .
‘Canadian factories produced some 850,000 vehicles in World War II, including some 50,000 armoured vehicles. Canada’s trucks are con- sidered to have “put the British Army on wheels”. Some trucks were salvaged, others repurposed for civilian and agricultural use.’ Wikipedia
– Back in the Day –
Hugh Filson had introduced Ilderton Fair parade participants and announced winning floats as they entered the fairgrounds after the parade for at least 45 years. A general farm and livestock auctioneer by profession, Filson had been born in Saskatchewan in 1925 and moved to Ilderton when he was 12 years old. He had been a long-time 4-H leader, Junior Farmers member and president of the Western and Ilderton Fairs. He passed away in 2014. (Photo by Gord Whitehead, Focus).
Page 6 Ilderton and Area Villager • September 2025
ILDERTON and area Villager
Home of the Mama Bracelet Ashley Davidson has lived in Ilderton for almost a decade. “I love the small-town feel with such a strong sense of community. People here truly support one another, and it’s been incredible to watch my business – Ashwood Co Jewelry – grow alongside the connections I’ve made,” she says. Ashley’s Mama Bracelets started as a personal project. “I wanted a simple, meaningful piece I could wear every day that reminded me of my boys – something timeless, yet personal. When friends and family saw them, they began asking for their own. That design quickly became one of my most-loved pieces and the heart of my brand as I consider Ashwood Co Jewelry, the home of the MAMA Bracelet!” Personalized name bracelets remain the company’s most popular item, along with gemstone stacks that customers can mix and match. “Popular collections include my Bare Beige, Just Neutrals, Celestial Nights, and Mediterranean Sea. People love collecting them as little wearable stories and adding to them for lots of wearable options.” You can find Ashwood Co Jewelry at local markets, including the Ilderton Farmers’ Market (Saturday, October 6) and The Modern Market Series (November 21 and 22). Select styles are also available in-store at Dots & Baubles downtown London. Orders can be placed directly through Instagram (Instagram. com/ashwoodcojewelry) or Facebook (ashwoodcojewelry) and send a message to shop!
Visit our gift shop featuring handmade cards, and work from local artisans. 160D Main Street, Ailsa Craig. Open 1 – 4 pm every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. EXHIBITS: August 2 – September 11 “Echoes of Nature” with photographer Karen Allen, AND “Wee Whimsy: Seagulls at Play” with flame-work glass sculptor Jen Van Herten. September 13 – October 23 Fibre Artist Lynda Watson. October 25 – December 4 Check our website – still being finalized! December 4 - 20 Our Annual Christmas Shoppe MONTHLY GROUPS: Writing Group, Book Club, Water Colour Group (Monday mornings) continue. Card Making, Kit and Knatter, and YACAC will all return in September. Check the calendar on our website! UPCOMING CLASSES: Mini Landscapes, Sampler Quilt, Quilted Jacket, Felted Highland Coo, Make a Granny Square, and Shearling Mittens! Check our website for details!
Come and check us out!
Art by Lynda Watson
For a full schedule of classes go to ailsacraigartscentre. wildapricot.org
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ILDERTON and area Villager
Rest Easy with Rest Easy Property Watch Rest Easy Property Watch serves as a safeguard for your home or vacation property, helping to maintain / lower insurance coverage, enhance safety, and keep you informed while you are away. Mike Van Steensel had been asked by family and friends from time to time to keep an eye on their properties while they were away and surmised that others could also benefit from the service. “Part of the idea came after a heavy downpour flooded many basements in our area, and the unfortunate mess that some people found upon return from vacation. I figured if there was a trusted company people could rely on to check their homes while they were out of town, everybody could travel stress-free.” “Our team goes beyond routine inspections, ensuring your return home is free of surprises,” says Mike. “We do more than just a casual check. We make sure everything is intact and functioning properly, inside and out. Our basic package includes exterior inspection of doors and windows for security- related incidents, assuring the home looks occupied by collecting any flyers, papers and mail, performing an external visual inspection of the roof, deck, and surrounding trees to identify any damage and conducting an interior inspection of the home for leaks, storm and water damage. We also ensure all security measures are working.” Homeowners are immediately informed of any concerns. “One time, we noticed tire tracks in a driveway and footprints behind the owner’s garage. We were relieved to identify the cause – a scheduled propane delivery.”
Aaron McCall, Mike Van Steensel and Dan Jenken
Optional extended services include an indoor camera with real- time motion alerting, snow removal (driveway, sidewalks and pipes/exhaust), ensuring the furnace or air conditioning are working optimally, checking hot tubs and pools, taking trash and recycling to the curb, watering lawns, gardens and indoor plants, and more. We’ll even make sure you have fresh milk and groceries stocked for your return!” Rest Easy Property Watch will also conduct your cottage or trailer opening at the beginning of the season, and close it up at the end.
– Back in the Day –
Dorothy Kathleen Braithwaite (San- born) was born in Ilderton in 1900. She earned a Bachelor of Arts de- gree from Western University and then in 1918, the university passed a resolution to admit women into the Faculty of Medicine under the same requirements as men. Braith- waite entered the program, becom- ing the first female medical student there, and received her doctor certi- fication in 1924.
Page 8 Ilderton and Area Villager • September 2025
ILDERTON and area Villager
What’s Happening in Ilderton and Area
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED Optimist Club of Ilderton
4th Annual Poplar Hill & District Lions Club Breakfast In The Park & Strathroy Caradoc Cruisers Car Show Sunday, September 14 , Poplar Hill Park 9 am through to afternoon. Breakfast 9 am to 12:30 pm at the pavilion. BBQ lunch in the afternoon at the yellow trailer. Car show 9 am to 2 pm (free for visitors: nominal fee for cars). Ilderton Fair, September 26 – 28, 2025 Midway rides and games, food vendors, attractions, shopping, tractor pull, demolition derby and more. Visit ildertonfair.ca for details.
For decades, the Optimist Club of Ilderton has proudly presented events like the Easter Egg Hunt, New Year’s Eve Skate, the Bike Safety Rodeo, and Morning with Santa, and supported organizations
such as hockey and skating clubs, Scouts and Girl Guides and the 4H club, and helped improve community spaces including the splashpad and basketball court in Deerhaven Optimist Park. To continue supporting the community, the non-profit organ- ization needs volunteers to step forward, noting that even small-time commitments can make a big impact. Email optimists.ilderton@gmail.com for membership information and volunteer opportunities. Ailsa Craig Main Street Car Show August 30, 9 am – 4 pm Cars, Food, 50-50 Draw, Hourly prizes for cars. Call 226-626-8515 or email ailsacraig.csc@gmail for info. Middlesex Centre Archives Cemetery and Heritage Bus Tour October 4, 2025 • 9 am – 4:30 pm Leaves from and returns to Delaware Community Centre. $25 MCA Members. $30 Non Members Register online at middlesexcentrearchive.ca/events or email middlesexcentrearchives@gmail.com for info. New York Times Recognizes Proof Line Farm “In the northern corners of Canada, early summer brings haskap, an inky indigo berry shaped like a bluebell,” wrote Tany Bush in the July 3 New York Times. “At Proof Line Farm, which includes a creamery and market in Ontario, co-owner Janan McNaughton first encountered haskaps when a neighbouring farmer began experimenting with growing the berry. She was surprised by how well it maintained its deep color and flavor in a rich ice cream base,” Bush continued. Locally grown haskaps have become a staple at the farm, sold in pints (in season) and blended into gelato. Proofline Farm is located at 14247 Ilderton Road. Visit prooflinefarm.ca or find them on Facebook to learn more.
Ilderton Farmers Market Saturdays 9 am – 12 pm, June 7 to October 11 100 Meadowcreek Drive.
We want to hear from YOU! Bake Sales. Book Signings. Barn Dances. Community Clean Ups. Charity Car Washes. Holiday Bazaars. Socials. We’ll help share the news! Submit your information via email to Cathy@VillagerPublications.com by the 12th of the month previous (November 12 for the December issue for example).
Supporting Local
The colours you love...
Explore a selection of quality dishes for your convenience
Page 9 Ilderton and Area Villager • September 2025
ILDERTON and area Villager
Fall at the Ilderton Library by Liz Adams Ilderton Library & EarlyON staff are happy to
areas of development, including communication, motor skills, social-emotional growth, and problem-solving. It’s a great opportunity to celebrate milestones and reveal any areas where your child may need support – all in a welcoming, play-based environment. Clinics are offered quarterly at various locations across Middlesex County and are open to all families. The Ilderton clinic will take place on Tuesday, September 2, 9:00 am to 11:00 am. (children 0 to 6 years) and 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm. (infants 0 to 12 months). No registration required — just drop in! Looking for something new to read? Check out our new arrivals at library.middlesex.ca/new-items and sign up for our Next-Reads newsletters that deliver reading recommendations on topics that interest you directly to your inbox! Middlesex County Library offers 11 newsletters with choices for all ages and interests. Visit library.middlesex.ca/nextreads to sign up. Visit our online event calendar at library.middlesex.ca/events for the latest updates and detailed information on events.
share a preview of the fall programming line-up. All are welcome to join Ms. Lisa at our weekly Family Storytime for stories, songs, rhymes, and fun each Friday at 10:30 am. The Ilderton Book Club meets monthly to discuss a new book. Join us at 6:30 pm on the first Wednesday of the month; visit the library to pick up a copy of the upcoming selection. Calling all tweens (ages 10 to 13) to Tween Time: join us weekly for mindful time after school. We will craft, colour, do yoga, puzzle, journal, and create! Bring your friends to chill at the library on Thursdays at 4 pm starting Thursday, September 11. Middlesex EarlyON is proud to offer Check & Connect — a free, supportive developmental screening program using the Ages & Stages Questionnaires (ASQ®). Families with children ages 0 to 6 can drop in during Play & Learn or Baby Time programs to meet with an early childhood educator and explore key
YOUR JULY-AUGUST 2025 VILLAGER MAGAZINES Contact us any time with article suggestions or advertising inquiries.
Miss getting a copy of your Hyde Park-Oakridge / Ilderton Villager? Visit www.villagerpublications.com for a list of select locations where copies are available (while quantities last) and to read the complete lineup online.
Plan ahead for holiday season business Contact Villager Publications by November 7 to promote your Holiday Season Specials in the December Hyde Park-Oakridge / Ilderton Villager! The December Hyde Park-Oakridge Villager will include the special Ilderton and Area section – and be delivered to 9,000+ homes in these three local market areas.
Page 10 Ilderton and Area Villager • September 2025
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