No preview available
HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2013-08-22, Page 16PAGE 16. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, AUGUST 22, 2013. Service groups raise funds at TransCan Writer commends new raceway owners on TransCan All hail the king Cole Thompson, left, was named the King of Walton at last weekend’s Walton TransCan. With the title, as has been tradition in Walton for decades, Thompson earned himself a sword for his efforts. (Jim Brown photo) The news around Walton this reporter knows concerns TransCan and motocross because that is where I have been. Great weather was enjoyed for the event even though it was a little cool the first couple of days. The event started with early admission on Monday evening of about 75 campers. The usual confusion of starting was soon overcome and the early birds were settling into their campsites in just over an hour. Our usual anticipation of chaos on Tuesday morning never materialized, as the new confirmation arrival times, done online, had the campers arriving in a very orderly fashion. There was never a line-up on the road and it was just a slow and steady day. The gate admissions are handled by the Walton Area Sports Club, with many members of the men’s fastball team and the ladies slo-pitch team, andmany supporting members of the community. The days start at 6:30 a.m. and end at 10 p.m., with nearly 40 volunteers helping to cover the four-man shifts for the close-to 100 hours the gates are open. Long hours, but all for the benefit of supporting the ballpark in Walton. The TransCan supports many local groups such as local broomball teams, doing parking and the Blyth/Brussels Minor Hockey doing garbage collection. They do a great job, with one parent telling me, it’s not so bad when many hands make light work and a little fun. There were plenty of hockey players and their parents doing a fantastic job, and campers commented at the gate how clean the grounds were kept. The Friday night concert featuring Tim Hicks was very popular and a great show was enjoyed by all. Plenty of folks camping and area folks arrived to enjoy the music and the early band and the featured Tim. The week really went quickly for the amateur racers and Saturday was the final day for them. The big day of the Pro National on Sunday had hundreds of folks arriving to see the venue and enjoy the day. The award presentations held later Sunday evening also included a special presentation to Chris and Judy Leeby their sons. A tradition of Walton for the Pro series winner was the winner being crowned the “King of Walton” and the presentation of the Walton sword. Sons Brett and Matt thought it only appropriate to present their parents with a “Sword of Walton” to commemorate their retirement. A very emotional week for Chris and Judy, having the event they created over 20 years ago, take place on the property, but in the hands of new owners, Brett Lee and business partner Mark Perrin. Congratulations to Brett and Mark on a successful week and continuing the annual TransCan tradition. A positive update on Neil McGavin. Neil suffered a fall and suffered a serious head injury two weeks ago. He has been in a London Hospital and reports are that he is improving. It is expected to be a slow process but I understand his sense of humour shows itself quite frequently. Our get well wishes, from everyone, go out to Neil! McGavin Farm Equipment held its annual summer party, which had already been planned, on Friday evening. The group enjoyed dinner at the Blyth Inn and then attended the production of Beyond The Farm Show. They had an enjoyable evening.Congratulations to Adam and Krista (Shortreed) Verkley on the birth of their first child, a son named Cooper. Grama Val Shortreed now has two grandsons to spoil. Many people would wonder what was going on when they saw a convoy of old tractors heading north on Friday morning. A group of 20 antique tractors were heading for the World Massey Show at the Paisley Farm Show held on the weekend. The group was organized by George Townsend and started in Seaforth and had tractors join them on the way to Brussels. They started their journey at 8 a.m. and were in Brussels at 10 a.m. and then to Belmore for noon. A lunch was waiting for them, organized by Gerald and Nancy Smith, former Waltoners. The group made it to Paisley by around 4 p.m. in the afternoon. Some of the area men driving their tractors included George, Bruce Whitmore, Andrew Patrick, Gord Pryce, Brian Campbell and Glenn Warwick. They had a great day for their journey, a good day at the show and enjoyed the hospitality of the event. The tractors returned home by float. Celebrating birthdays this past week included Joan Perrie, Amanda Fraser, Jason Thompson, ShaynaMelady, Devin Blake, Marion Godkin, Rob McIntosh, Hayden deVos, Jim Armstrong, Susan Nichol, Andrew McDonald, Jacob Flood, Shawn Flaxbard, Christine Gulutzen, Nicole McIntosh, Emerson Mitchell, Jack McCall, Gloria Wilbee, Terri Gulutzen, Pat Nolan, Bradley Shortreed and Viola Travis. Happy birthday to all. Continued from page 1 with all the organizations,” he said. “We worked with the Blyth and Brussels Minor Hockey Association, the Seaforth and Clinton hospitals, Blyth broomball and curling clubs and other organizations,” he said. “We’re happy that we’re able to work with them and support them. There is likely $30,000 to $40,000 going back into the community.” Locally, several riders competed in the events. In the School Boy 2 class, Lucas Godkin of Walton placed 33rd overall. Godkin also placed 25th in the MX2 125 Junior B class. Mitchell Godkin of Walton placed eighth in the MX3 GP class and 15th in the MX2 125 class. He also earned an eighth place finish in the MX1 250 Intermediate class. Aaron Popp of Londesborough finished 38th in the MX2 125 Junior B class. In the 60 PeeWee 10-11 class, Tyler Williamson of the Blyth area placed 18th overall. Keenan MacDonald placed 26th in the Junior MX3 GP and 15th overall in the MX2 125 Junior B class. Further afield, Nathan Bles of Bayfield brought home a first place finish in the Youth (14-24) class. Despite coming off such a successful weekend, there’s very little rest to be had at the raceway as they prepare for two new events this weekend. Saturday, the ATV Mudbog event will be held at the site and Sunday a Truck Mudbog event will be held as well as truck races on the track and rock-climbing truck events. For more information, visit waltonraceway.ca Find enclosed $16.80 ($16.00 + .80 GST) for an 8 month subscription to The Citizen for: (Not vaild for out-of-country subscriptions) Answers to Crossword on Page 6 By Jo-Ann McDonald Call 887-6570 PEOPLE AROUNDWALTON NEWS FROM WALTON