Wortley Villager
OCTOBER 2025 Issue 93
Message from the Mayor by Mayor Josh Morgan mayor@london.ca
One major highlight is the removal of certain development charge backfill requirements for municipalities, thanks to my work with the provincial government, which means fewer unexpected costs being passed along from past years (those funds will no longer need to be made up through surpluses or reserve funds). I made a commitment to ensure property tax increases stay under 5%, and the measures above, along with direction to public bodies such as the London Police Service to find efficiencies, are intended to help keep taxes more affordable while maintaining services. These budget changes are meant to help homeowners, renters, small businesses and anyone considering investing in Wortley Village, from renovating, expanding, or just staying in place. Keeping costs reasonable while preserving the character and quality of our city and its neighbourhoods is among my top priorities. Thank you for being part of what makes Wortley Village special. Your involvement, whether in local events, supporting small businesses, or simply caring for your street, matters. I look forward to seeing many of you in Wortley this October at a market, an event, or just out appreciating the fall colours.
519-661-4920 Hello Wortley,
Autumn has arrived in Wortley Village! Leaves turning gold, sweater weather, warm mugs and earlier dusk. It’s one of my favourite times in the neigh- bourhood, when the smell of fall baking drifts through the air, walkers pause to admire heritage homes in their autumn glow, and community life moves into cozy local cafés and gathering spaces. I’m writing today to share some news from City Hall that affects all of us, including Wortley Village — particularly the upcoming 2026 city budget announcement later this month. Ward 11 Update from City Hall by Skylar Franke, Ward 11 London City Council 519-661-2489, extension 4011 • sfranke@london.ca Ward 11 Update: Infrastructure, Parks, and City Hall Decisions Happy fall season! Enjoy the crisp air, Halloween in the Village activities and cosy sweaters. I wanted to share several important updates happening across Ward 11 – from construction pro- jects and park enhancements to motions at City Hall. Infrastructure Improvements As part of the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) construction, City staff are recommending new stormwater upgrades on streets adjacent to Wellington on both sides. These enhancements were not in the original design but came forward after resident feedback and further engineering work. The improvements will help manage water collection more effectively in these areas. On Ridout Street South, several changes are on the way. The stretch between Horton and York will see a fresh makeover, while bike lanes from Horton to Commissioners will be repainted and outfitted with seasonal bollards. Development Applications Two applications are currently in the works in Ward 11: • 144 Base Line Road W – proposed infill project, 2.5-storey stacked townhouses with nine units. Visit www.london.ca to view the application. • 10 Marley Place – proposed infill project, eight stacked townhouses and four units in an existing heritage home. An application is forthcoming, and a rendering is already available online at www.siv-ik.ca/10mp. Park Updates Earlier this year, Murray Park celebrated major upgrades, in- cluding a new playground, more trees, a basketball court, and naturalized areas. Rosel Park has also been the subject of renewed discussion. While earlier engagement showed mixed feedback about adding
To advertise here, please contact Cathy@villagerpublications.com Ward 11 continues to grow and evolve, and I’m grateful to residents for their feedback and engagement on these important issues. Please continue to share your insight with me at sfranke@london.ca Agricultural Offset Policy – unfortunately, this narrowly failed in an eight to seven vote. If approved, it would have reviewed ways to protect agricultural land from development. amenities, recent community responses — sparked by a London Free Press article — demonstrated strong support for playground equipment. After meeting with staff, it was determined a new design concept will move forward in 2026. This plan balances open green space with new features such as a small playground, additional trees, picnic tables, and a walkway. Thames Park has moved to the design phase and will be constructed in 2026. See the preferred design alternative at getinvolved.london.ca/thamespark. Decisions at City Hall Several key motions have recently been debated at Council: Green Building Incentives – I brought forward a successful motion to include green building measures in Transit Oriented Development incentive applications. Dangerous Dogs and Licensing – staff will bring forward options to address concerns around dangerous dogs. No Hot Pets Bylaw – new measures are being explored to prevent pets from being left in overheated vehicles.
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OSBA Update by Ian Leishman It was wonderful to see so many people come out for the first Old South Business Association (OSBA) Fall Mixer, hosted at Rebel Layne (145 Wortley Road). It brought together a wide variety of businesspeople over drinks and hors d’oeuvres and sparking conversations that lead to collaborations. Events like this strengthen connections and create opportunities that benefit both individuals and the broader Old South business community. The OSBA is not limited to store owners! It includes home- based businesses, service providers, professionals, artists, landscapers, and many more. If you conduct business in Old South, you’re welcome to take part in upcoming events listed at www.oldsouthba.com/events.
Nominations are now open for the 2025 Old South Business Awards! A chance to recognize outstanding contributions to our community, your nominations can be submitted at www.oldsouthba.com/2025awards-nominations. Mark your calendars! The awards will be presented on Thurs- day, November 13, 2025, from 7:30 pm to 9 pm at the Wortley YMCA (Normal School) ballroom. Everyone is welcome to attend this celebration of outstanding businesses and businesspeople of Old South London. Those who set the standard for excel- lence, enrich our community through exceptional products, services and experiences, and champion the success and growth of the local business community. Follow the Old South Business Association on Facebook or visit www.oldsouthba.com.
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Wortley Villager October 2025 • Page 3
The Village Vibe
Cultural Cooking Making Marinara
Manager of Culinary Experience at Levant Grand Wood Park Retirement Residence, Anna, knows that the freshest ingredients make all the dif- ference and often picks herbs and vegetables for her dishes right from the facility’s garden. She recently harvested basil and cherry tomatoes to blend into a rich, marinara sauce, made from scratch.
Wortley Villager Issue #93 October 2025 Your local community connector The 100% locally owned and produced Wortley 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 noted otherwise. Graphic Artist: Cathy Wood Old South Delivery 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. A Paw-Paw plant in Wortley Village. The large, green leaves turn a bright yellow in the Fall. Photo by Ben Porchuk.
Antler River Rally is a volunteer group that organizes clean-ups along the Thames River. On September 20, they rallied to the river banks under the newly constructed bridge on Ridout Street and collected nearly 700 lbs of garbage in under two hours. Included in the clean-up crew pictured above are students from Western University’s Environment and Sustainability Program. Tom and Miriam Cull managed the organization for the past 14 years, recently turning the reins over to the London Environmental Network. Submitted by J. Bruce Parker.
Do you have an Old South Neighbour of Note? Do you do cultural cooking? Cover photo and article suggestions welcome! Contact Cathy at Cathy@villagerpublications.com
Rebuilding the Black Walnut Bakery Cafe, September 2025. Photo by Ben Porchuk.
Page 4 Wortley Villager • October 2025
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Tamblings Corners And Its Ghosts by J. Bruce Parker On the southeast corner of Ridout and Chester streets, known as the ‘Ridout Street Plaza’, above the facing doorway in black text, is painted ‘Tambling’s Corners’. As a resident of Chester Street for over 30 years, I have always noticed it, and in recent years, the fading letters were repainted, highlighting the importance of the building.
plying their trade. Suddenly, two cans of hairspray do not fall, but rather hurl themselves off a shelf. The shelf did not tip, and no one was near it during the incident. Just north of the block is Thomas Tambling’s home. Dean Hall moved into the residence in 1992 and was kind enough to spend some time with me at his home explaining the history of the building. He tells me that during a renovation, protective plastic sheets seemed to move inside his home as if a wind was blowing, but no windows were open. He also recalls his wife hearing soft singing, but only on Sunday, as if someone was singing in church. In the 1990s, rectangular brown boxes which allowed push-button change of television channels were quite popular. In the Hall household, the brown box would often decide on its own what the Hall family would watch, as it would change channels on its own. It was at this point that I cautiously looked over my shoulder, just to check. All clear. Did the ghost of 350 Ridout Street migrate a few doors north, or does Dean’s home have its own family of spirits? The residence was purchased from the Tambling estate by the Horwood family in 1904. Young Bert Horwood served his country on the battlefields in Europe during World War I. On August 16, 1918, his mother in London experienced a visual image of her son calling for help. Shortly after, she was notified by the war department that her son was missing. In quick time, Bert Harwood’s death on the battlefields was confirmed. Just after Dean purchased the home, with a chance meeting with a member of the Horwood family, he was asked, “Have you met Bert yet?” Dean replied that being new to the area he hadn’t met many of his neighbours. He discovered that the reference was to the presence of Bert in the house. So Bert had a history here. Dean admits firmly, “I don’t even believe in this stuff”. I’m thinking, “me neither”, but how do you explain the unexplainable? Thomas Tambling died in 1902, leaving behind a block of bus- inesses and memories which have come and gone. Maybe Thomas himself hasn’t left the neighbourhood?
When the City of London was founded in 1826, it was more of a hamlet, with a population of about 2,400. The city limits barely spilled over the south branch of the Thames River. But just beyond was a piece of land owned by Thomas Tambling, who eventually established the building at 350 Ridout Street South in 1872. Tambling, with his brother, were involved in the construction trade and were quite successful as the city was growing. He purchased a block of land, subdividing it into lots. There are two other addresses in the city under Tambling’s name. With the city of London just a dash to the north across the river, the hamlet of Tambling’s Corners was strategic as a stagecoach stop for those coming into the city. Near the end of the century, a post office was established, as well as a grocery. The post office did not last, but was renewed in 1903. In 1943, it became a sub-post office, run by the Jupp family. By the 1950s, the corner was referred to as Pugsley’s Corners, as run by the Jupp’s daughter. Since that time, businesses have come and gone, and within my lifetime, a bakery, a green grocer, Village Cycle, and the well-known ‘London Pride’ fish and chips and ‘Kalamata Restaurant’ were part of that block. There were always plenty of ghost stories lurking in the building. Years ago, I recall talking to the owner of the former bicycle shop, suggesting the rumours of paranormal activity in the building. “Oh yeah, there are definitely ghosts here,” he replied, then went on to describe several incidents of things falling unexpectedly, and strange and inexplicable noises coming from the basement of his shop. Carlos, who works at J.S. Ryan & Co. Barbershop next door, takes it one step further. He shared with me a video taken from the in-house security camera. The video shows a normal working day with customers in barber chairs and employees
Page 6 Wortley Villager • October 2025
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The Writing on the Wind’s Wall
Dr. Robert Arntfield, Director of the Critical Care Trauma Centre at Victoria Hospital and a Wortley resident, hadn’t been an early adopter of MAiD, but then his mother was diagnosed with leukemia. “Her prognosis at age 71 was poor and the chemotherapy would have been fairly aggressive. She had seen other people go through that and she didn’t want that level of suffering. She was feeling a great amount of fear about having to undergo any kind of chronic, severe disease process and she pursued MAiD fairly quickly. I heard later from John Donohue’s funeral home. They asked her, ‘Who are you here for?’ She said, ‘Myself.’ When people are given permission to stop fighting, their mood changes for the better. They now feel that they have control over the exit pathway.” Kevin Andrew Heslop, a former Wortley Village resident, currently based in São Paulo, is a multidisciplinary artist. ‘The Writing on the Wind’s Wall: Dialogues about ‘Medical Assistance in Dying’ will be available this Fall through The Porcupine’s Quill. Learn more at kevinandrewheslop.com.
Sixteen Londoners, including an ethicist, a psychiatrist, a death doula, a medium and two administering doctors – advocates as well as nuanced and various opponents – discuss their thoughts and experiences with MAiD (Medical Assistance in Dying) in Kevin Andrew Heslop’s new book, The Writing on the Wind’s Wall. Keith Nethery, Retired Reverend Canon, St. James Westminster, discusses his support of a longtime parisioner. “Carolyn had amyo-
trophic lateral sclerosis and I remember her being a vibrant person who was very active, and I watched, very slowly, over time, her lose all the things that were important to her. The family had already gone to the doctor and had set MAiD up before they asked me to get involved. I don’t think they ever asked me, “Is MAiD right or wrong?” They’d already decided in their faith and spirituality. Really the whole thing was just about being there. I said, ‘I’ll be there.’” “I was there early in the morning. We had communion. We prayed. It was difficult because it was one of the first provisions in Ontario, so everything was being documented and asked three or four times. It felt like the system was trying to get in the road. Shortly after Carolyn died, Dave (her husband) had to go and sit with the coroner for over two hours answering questions. Dave understood. He wanted to be part of MAiD to help others get it. I pray that I was a face of caring in a system that is all about insurance, rules, right and wrong, procedures and process. I remember one of the doctors crying. That gave me hope.”
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Wortley Villager October 2025 • Page 7
Finding Strength, Healing and Mobility with Pilates Fiona Hurley (B. Kinesiology, B. Education) had been a high school teacher for 20 years (Physical Education, Spanish and later as a guidance counsellor) before deciding on a career change. “I had always taught physical activities (pilates, yoga, fitness training) outside of my role as a high school teacher, and loved dance, martial arts, running and yoga. I discovered pilates after a spinal injury made my usual workouts too challenging. From my first session, I was hooked. It strengthened my body, protected my joints, and helped me heal while still giving me a dynamic workout. Pilates also carried me through pregnancy and health challenges, helping me stay strong and feel good.” Fiona has certifications for BarreBody Pilates, Reformer and Mat, YTT 200 and with Yoga Alliance Canada. Fiona says she really loves working with people one-on-one to help them feel good in their bodies and that led her, about a year ago, to open Pilates with Fiona in her home studio, where she offers private and semi-private sessions or for groups of up to four. “Fitness can be intimidating,” she reflects, “especially if you’ve been away from physical activity for long periods of time, whether due to injury, parenting or other responsibilities, etc. I strive to help put people at ease and feel comfortable starting from whatever point they are at, and progressing from there. The response has been great.” “People often feel that they have to already be in great shape and really flexible to use the Reformer, a specialized piece of equipment that features a sliding platform, springs and pulleys to provide resistance and assistance, but in reality, it is very beginner friendly! On the Reformer, clients learn correct alignment for their body, and learn to move safely.” Barre Pilates that combines the strength of pilates with the mindfulness of yoga, and traditional mat sessions are also available.
Fiona has lived in Wortley Village for 10 years. “I love being able to walk to where I shop and visit. I enjoy the sense of community. I have several clients who can walk to my studio, which they really enjoy.” Learn more at www.london-pilates.com.
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The Reformer machine in the cozy in-home Wortley Village studio of Pilates by Fiona.
Fiona tailors each client’s sessions to their unique needs. “Some clients come to me for rehabilitation after being advised by a doctor or physiotherapist that pilates would support their healing. Others come to enhance their current workout routine and others because they know that they need to get active, but aren’t yet ready for group classes. I love the variety, and I do my best to make sure every client gets to work towards their own goals with each session.
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Page 8 Wortley Villager • October 2025
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Interpreting Erik by J. Bruce Parker Old South resident Donald D’Haene is riding the crest of a wave. His documentary is getting noticed – everywhere! It has garnered just under 300 awards and accolades worldwide. But like all waves, there is a trough, which is the content of the documentary. Interpreting Erik follows the tragic life of Donald’s brother who died on the streets of Vancouver in 2020. Erik, like Donald, brother Ronny and sister Marina were sexually abused by their father, not just once but repeatedly.
The documentary is not just Erik’s story, but the story of Donald and his two siblings’ survival through- out this ordeal. For Donald, it was through therapy, outlined in his two books Father’s Touch and No- body Wants To Read You Are Happy . For Ronny, it was photography, and he became an award-winning photographer of nature. When the family unit broke up, Marina found solace, guidance, and hope in vari-
Ronny, Donald and Marina
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ous group homes in Wortley village. The D’Haene children did survive and grew beyond the horrible abuse of their past, but not Erik. Donald’s documentary explores Erik’s life through his art, his diaries and his letters. His life is also represented by actors, reading Erik’s words and characterizing his image on the street. At the film’s end, there is a sense of understanding his struggle. Erik’s life and death on the streets of Vancouver echoes the plight of all marginalized people who end up without a home and little hope. Erik becomes the ‘everyman’ on the street, but he has a name, and he had a life. Donald tells us “He was not nothing, he was everything”. Erik stated, “I need an interpreter in my own skin”. Brother Donald has successfully done that”. Interpreting Erik will be shown at the Forest City Film Festival at Wolfe Hall, October 26th at 1200.
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Wortley Villager October 2025 • Page 9
What’s Happening at Landon Library Submitted by Ashleigh Hickey Cursive Writing (Ages 8+) January 20, 2024 10:30 am – noon (Registered) Come learn the benefits of cursive writing and try your hand at some pangrams with Dez, a local archivist. PA Day Creativity Break (Teen) February 2, 2024 3:00 – 4:30 pm (Drop-In) It’s time to be creative! Drop by your local library to take a break and create. Craft supplies may vary, chill vibes only. STEAM, Saturdays (Family) February 3, 2024 10:00 – 11:00 am (Drop-In) Drop-in to explore a variety of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math related activities! AlvegoRoot Theatre Trivia Night Manor Park Memorial Hall, 11 Briscoe Street For ticket information and to learn more about AlvegoRoot’s 2024 season, visit www.alvegoroottheatre.com Black Squirrel Farm Roberta Cory has a mission to thwart the large local population of squirrels who would ravage her garden, amusingly named Black Squirrel Farm! An artist and social and environmental activist, Roberta moved to Wortley Village from Victoria in 2010 and created a circular rain garden where the front lawn used to be, that has a berm covered in perennial flowers to attract and benefit pollinators. Over the years, she has developed her property to utilize every available sunny space to grow a wide and abundant variety of vegetables and herbs in the small urban lot. A founding member of London Urban Farmers, a new group for local gardeners to share tips and the experiences of growing food in their yards, and to advocate for local food sustainability (growing instead of importing), Roberta recently participated in their Urban Farm Tour where members invited people to tour their gardens and learn about organic practices, soil management, extending the Canadian growing season, managing pests (like squirrels!), maximizing space with vertical gardens, containers and greenhouses, and more. For recipes and tips on gardening, harvesting, storing, canning and more, follow London Urban Farmers on Facebook. The group plans a tour in 2026 – watch for announcements!
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Left: Roberta’s third crop of rhubarb this year was picked in the Fall. Containers and a mini greenhouse allow use of the driveway. Above: Roberta in her garden with the London Urban Farmer’s banner and a summer harvest.
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Page 10 Wortley Villager • October 2025
Boys and Girls Club participates in Open House London Boys and Girls Club (BGC) London is a community organization that delivers safe and fun activities for children and youth whenever school is out, and daytime programming for adults 50 and over. Members benefit from development opportunities that foster lea- dership skills and build confidence and skills for life. They tied in their annual Open House with Doors Open London on September 20 to welcome Londoners to tour the facility located on Horton Street, enjoy demonstrations, carnival games, entertainment, including a live performance by the Saidat Show, and more. Right: BGC London Open House guests enjoy affordable BBQ served by volunteers from Rotary Club of London-Hyde Park. Below: MP Peter Fragiskatos and London City Councillor Corrine Rahman serve ice cream cake (generously donated by Baskin-Robbins) to BGC London Open House guests.
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Wortley Villager October 2025 • Page 11
Back in the Day
Servicing cars of all kinds! Wortley Auto Service provides oil changes, repairs, scheduled maintenance, brakes and tires on all makes and models of vehicles – but particularly enjoy when a classic or unique car comes into the shop. “When ‘the sh!tmobile’ (below) broke down away from Dart- mouth, the boys from Sunnyvale make an appearance at Wortley Auto Service to get it back on the road. Sadly we don’t accept hash coins as payment but we don’t mind Coldstream Clear trailer park packs or a box of chicken fingers (the good kind),” quipped owner of Wortley Auto Service, Matt Smith.
Above: enjoying coffee and conversation at the Black Walnut Bakery Cafe in 2020. Hopes are that the landmark shop will reopen later this year, after having been destroyed by fire in April 2023.
Right: Ben Porchuk in 2020, in front of the bakery, in a suit he made out of leaves gathered from around the village. Photo by Tammy Belaire-Ford. Ben is an ecologist and wildlife biologist living in Wortley Village. Among other projects, Ben consults for the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE, University of Toronto) at the JICS Lab School, instructing teachers and creating ‘Nature Sense Grounds’.
“It’s always a great day when we get to work on a meticulously-detailed project like this 1929 Ford Pickup (left),” he continued.
Matt’s Car Care Tip
To advertise here, please contact Cathy@villagerpublications.com Wiper blades are often an overlooked maintenance item, they begin to streak and chatter in the cold weather leading to reduced visibility. Wortley Auto Service checks all wiper blades at every service appointment. Winter proof windshield washer fluid with a low freeze point like -40 degrees is important to clear frost off your windshield in the fall. We always top up your washer fluid at every service appointment as well. Book your fall maintenance appointment today and beat the rush! We look forward to serving you soon. Wow, what a hot sticky and sunny summer we had! I for one, am glad that September is nally upon us along with the cool weather it brings. Hopefully, we can begin to resume our normal activities and get a sense of the “new normal”. Since COVID-19 changed most of our travel plans this year, many of us have been taking lots of daytrips in our cars and racking up the mileage. Perhaps your vehicle is due for its next scheduled maintenance interval? Your neighbours at Wortley Auto Service can help you with that! Most new cars are good at telling us that they need to be serviced, but, that does not always mean a simple oil change. Often, an oil change is accompanied with a tire rotation, Air and Cabin Filter replacement, uid top up and assessment of the overall condition of the car. At Wortley Auto Service, we perform a digital multi point inspection and send it right to your phone or computer! You can review the ndings, look at pictures of your car and have peace of mind knowing that your vehicle has been thoroughly inspected. Most new cars are good at telling us when they need an oil change on the information display; if you aren’t sure about the oil change intervals on your car, drop us a line or stop into our shop and we can check the intervals that apply to your vehicle. Heading into the fall driving season warrants a bit more service than a basic oil change, your crew at Wortley Auto Service will do a comprehensive inspection of your car while it is in for an oil change. The fall is a great time to check the condition of your tires. Rotating tires is the best way to ensure you have good service life out of them. Perhaps you use snow tires on your car, this is the time of year to set an appointment to install them. The cool mornings in the fall are hard on your Battery and may lead to starting problems, we always recommend testing your battery health at this time of year. In addition to our Digital Inspection, we consult the Factory Service Schedule speciic to your vehicle and make sure that we cover all the recommended service items in that table including coolant, transmission, brake uid and power steering uid service intervals. Very often, these service items can become overlooked when you are getting a “rapid” oil change performed. If you are not sure about the speciic time or mileage intervals that apply to your vehicle, feel free to drop in and chat with one of our team members or drop us a line. FALL MAINTENANCE The trees are starting to change colours, the Western Fair is over and most of us are settling back into our fall routines. Perhaps you are taking the family to hockey practices or for a country drive to enjoy the fall colours, at any rate, if you are driving your trusted vehicle this fall it may be time for some maintenance.
“Matt and his team are friendly, professional, ef fi cient and honest. I wouldn’t trust anyone else with my vehicles.” DM “Friendly and communicative staff, fair pricing and close to home. It’s nice when the local team is as exceptional as this one. Thank you! Kate.”
shop@wortleyautoservice.com • www.wortleyautoservice.com
Page 12 Wortley Villager • October 2025
100 Years of Lions’ Pride: Honouring 150 Distinguished South Alumni by Connie Weir 150 profiles of South Collegiate alumni were created for display at the South Collegiate Alumni Association’s 100th Reunion in May 2023. Walter Stewart was one. 949) BROADCASTER The South Wind
Ted Hessel (‘53) (Staff, 1971-76)
Ted Hessel passed away June 16, 2025, at the age of 91. Ted’s obituary described him as “a man whose life was defined by service — to his family, his com- munity, his country, and his alma mater”. He began his life of ser- vice as a pilot in the Royal Can- adian Air Force, serving overseas in Europe before returning to Canada where his passion for
Walter Stewart (1949) J ournalist, Author, Editor, Educator & Broadcaster • Got his start in journalism at South as editor of The South Wind • Worked at the Toronto Telegram (1953-62) then the Star Weekly , as picture editor and Ottawa Corres- pondent (1962-68) • 1968-77: Most of this time was with Maclean’s
leadership and learning led him to a career in education. As a teacher and later a vice-principal, he shaped the lives of countless students with his belief in the potential of every child. Following his “retirement”, Ted turned his sights towards Western Athletics. A former Mustang athlete and lifelong Western sports enthusiast, Ted donated countless hours of his time and energy curating the JP Metras Sports Museum, preserving the rich history of athletics at Western. Ted was a member of a four-generation South family. His mother Leonore (McIntyre) Hessel (’30) was also a South grad. Donations in Ted’s name can be made to the JP Metras Sports Museum, Western Mustang Athletics, South Collegiate Alumni Association or The Canadian Cancer Society. Courtesy South Collegiate Alumni Association Lea r n more about the South Collegiate Alumni Association at southalumni.ca and by following them on Facebook
magazine, serving as Correspondent in both Ottawa and Washington, Associate Editor and finally as Managing Editor • Published his first book in 1971: Shrug: Trudeau in Power, on the best seller list for more than a year, followed by five more non-fiction books over the next six years • 1980s: Most of his work was done as a Freelance Writer and Broadcaster. Three more non-fiction books were published, including the bestseller, Towers of Gold, Feet of Clay: The Canadian Banks • An Educator: Professor and Director of the School of Journalism, King’s College, Halifax (1984-86) and the Max Bell Chair in Journalism at the University of Regina (1987-88) • 1988-1992: Edited Policy Options , the highly respected maga- zine published by the Institute for Research on Public Policy • 1990s: Wrote a regular column for the Toronto Sun , was a regular guest host on CBC’s Radio’s As It Happens , wrote two detective novels and five more non-fiction books • His final book, the last of his 17 non-fiction books was published in 2003: Tommy, The Life and Turbulent Times of T.C. Douglas • Walter Douglas Stewart died September 15, 2004, described as a “fearless journalist” who was “not afraid to take on the high and mighty and bring them to their knees”. “Few other journalists were able to combine wit and irreverence with such deadly accuracy.” s was published in s of T.C. Douglas au er the next six years eWriter & published, including The Canadian Banks l of Journalism, King ’ s r in Journalism at the espected magazine Policy Sun , was a regular e two detective novels
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Wortley Villager October 2025 • Page 13
Your September Villager Publications. Contact Gloria for advertising assistance in any of our lineup of community magazines.
The complete lineup of Villager Publications community magazines may be read online at www.villagerpublications.com. Contact your Villager rep with article suggestions, local photography that you’d like to share, or to inquire about promoting your business.
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Page 14 Wortley Villager • October 2025
To advertise here, please contact Cathy@villagerpublications.com
What’s Happening in Old South
What’s Happening at Landon Library Submitted by Ashleigh Hickey Chess for Kids (Ages 6+) Wednesdays 3:30 – 5:00 pm Whether you’re a young budding chess professional or totally new to the game, you’re welcome at the library’s Chess for Kids (Ages 6+ with caregiver). Teen Drop-In: Tuesday October 14th & 28th 5:00 – 6:30 pm Do you like making art? Do you like playing games? Do you need a calm space to do homework? Are you a teenager or almost a teenager? Stop by the library every other week and check out our Teen Drop-In. We have art supplies, games, and a librarian able to help you! Snacks provided! Storytime (Ages 1+) Wednesdays 9:30 – 10:30 am Listen to a couple stories, sing, learn a few rhymes, and meet some new friends! A special Halloween-themed Storytime will take place on Wednesday, October 29 during regular Storytime hours.
London Irish Canadian Club: 1 Cove Road Pub Night October 18, Irish Folk Club Céilí November 15 and an Irish Christmas Party (December 20). September 2026: Irish Festival on the Green! All are welcome. londonirish.ca Wesley-Knox United Church 91 Askin St., October 4, 2 pm Autumn Elegance Fashion Show (& Dessert) Tickets $20 available at Tuckeys Home Hardware or at the church. December 14: Christmas Twilight February 7: Summon the Heroes May 23: The Beat Goes On Visit brassroots.ca for ticket info and details. Karen Schuessler Singers 2025 – 2026 Season November 22: Go for Baroque March 7: Strong and Free May 2: Missa Gaia Earth Mass Visit kssingers.com for tickets and details. AlvegoRoot Theatre Colleening: The letters & poetry of Colleen Thibaudeau November 7 – 9 pm Featuring Katy Clark, Paul Grambo, Kydra Ryan Music by Stephen Holowitz and Oliver Whitehead www.alvegoroottheatre.com Brassroots 2025 – 2026 Season October 31: Night of the Living Brass
Christkindl Market German Canadian Club, 1 Cove Road November 21 – 23, 2025 CHRISTMAS IN THE VILLAGE December 6th Christmas Market December 5 & 6
Wesley-Knox United Church 100th Anniversary 91 Askin St., October 5, 2 pm – 3 pm
Elmwood Presbyterian Church Annual Bazaar & Food Fare Saturday, November 8, 2025 10:00 am – 1:00 pm • 11 Elmwood Avenue East Baking, Mincemeat, Frozen Entrees & Soups, Pickles & Preserves, Christmas Crafts and more! Cash only please.
The choirs of Wesley-Knox, Calvary, Riverside and White Oaks United churches will introduce the new United Church hymn supplement, T hen Let Us Sing, in celebration of the 100th Anniversary of the United Church.
Shop Local. Happy Thanksgiving!
Halloween Dance with DJ Queen Calvary United Church Saturday, October 18, 8 pm – 12 am. (Ages 19+) Tickets are available from Tuckeys (starting October 1) or by sending e-transfer to wortleyhalloween@hitv.ca Tickets $20 each or $25 at the door. Wortley Shops Open Late – Thursday, October 16th More than dozen local shops will be open until 8 pm on the 16th so you can enjoy an evening stroll, shop local for unique finds, and connect with the community. Make a night of it in the Village!
LONDONʼS PREMIER MOTOWN & SOUL BAND Call today to elevate your celebration 519-694-4537 | themotones.ca
2024-02-05 9:14 AM Plan ahead for holiday season business Contact Villager Publications by October 7 to promote your Holiday Season Specials in the November Wortley Villager! (November 7 for the December issue).
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Wortley Villager October 2025 • Page 15
in the
CARNIVAL
PARADE &
CARNIVAL FUN 1:00-5:00pm
PUMPKIN CARVING -starting at 1:00pm
(while supplies last)
HALLOWEEN PARADE 5:30-6:30pm BEST SCHOOL FLOAT COMPETITION 5:30-6:30pm MONSTER MARKET - Craft Vendors 1:00-5:00pm HAUNTED HOUSE 1:00-4:00pm (recommended for ages 10+)
25 OCTOBER SATURDAY 2025 1:00pm - 7:00 pm
PRIZE ANNOUNCEMENTS 6:30pm WITCHES OF WORTLEY 5:30-6:30pm LIGHTING OF THE PUMPKINS 7:00pm
h
VILLAGE SCAVENGER HUNT
Oct 13 - 25
Wesley Knox United Church 91 Askin St Oct 24- 1-3pm & 6-8pm Oct 25 1-4pm Calvary United Church 290 Ridout St S HAUNTED HOUSE 10+ Sat Oct 18 19+ HALLOWEEN DANCE WORTLEY TERROR TOUR Oct 17 - 31
SCARECROW WORKSHOP
Oct 25 10am-2pm St James Westminster Anglican Church 115 Askin St
wortleyhalloween@gmail.com
hitv.ca
Special thanks to our COMMUNITY PARTNERS:
THANK YOU to all of our awesome KINDRED SPIRIT SPONSORS:
Kindred Spirit Sponsors
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