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Home My WebLink AboutThe Citizen, 2008-11-06, Page 3THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2008. PAGE 3. By Janis VoddenToday I received an old scrapbook.In its pages was an article written bya man who grew up in Blyth around1900.It was entitled “Londesborough –The 13th Concession of Hullett – and Blyth”. In it, he sings the praises of the community spirit which existed between Blyth, the 13th and Londesborough. This was quite appropriate as we experienced the very same spirit at the recent meeting of the Blyth Swinging Seniors when the Londesborough club were our guests. J.S. McKinnon who wrote the article, was the son of a prominent Blyth businessman and postmaster, D.B. McKinnon. He wrote, “If a Tea Meeting or some social affair was taking place in Londesborough, representatives from Blyth would generally be on hand. If the gathering was held in Blyth a quota from Londesborough would make a point of being present.” He went on to name people who lived on the 13th and in Londesborough. He spoke of Clinton Gravel which linked Blyth and Londesborough to Clinton, the centre of trade in early days. He continued, “That a community spirit exists may to a considerable extent be traced to the columns of The Blyth Standard. For years the news and principal events of Londesborough and the 13th have been well recorded and in this respect The Standard has shown a great deal of enterprise in giving the “home town news,” and doubtless, this is appreciated…During the years I made my homein London England, it was myprivilege to meet many Canadiansfrom different parts of theDominion, but there was only oneperson from the “Old Home District” and that person was Norman Sanderson from the 13th concession. The above thoughts were prompted, by a letter that appeared in The Standard under date of June 2 from Mrs. Duncan Boyd of Toledo, Ohio, and who, at one time was a resident of Londesborough. Like many other persons, once away Mrs. Boyd keeps in touch with her former home district through the medium of The Blyth Standard. In the same issue, there was a letter to the editor from R.B. (Bob) Carter of Assiniboia, Saskatchewan. It was a real pleasure for me to hear indirectly from R.B. and to say how well I remember his father and mother, Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Carter, as well as his sisters, Eva and Lizzie.” Again and again as Brock and I collect information for our Repository of Blyth History, our attention is drawn to the vibrant community spirit that existed among the villages and townships that surrounded Blyth and the Village of Blyth itself. Once again an example of this community spirit presented itself in Blyth on Wednesday, Oct. 22 when the Blyth Seniors hosted the Londesborough Seniors at their regular monthly meeting in Memorial Hall. In all, about 60people enjoyed a potluck dinner.The speaker for the event was theauthor, John Hardy of Hanover. Hespoke on the part railways played inthis area. He illustrated his talk withslides taken as his passion for photography and for railways grew. He had several shots related to Blyth and Londesborough. One of The Arch, through which CPR trains passed as they approached Blyth on their way to Goderich from Guelph was breathtaking. John also had for sale, copies of two books he has written, Rusty Rails and Canadian Rail Travel. If J.S. McKinnon had been able to view the gathering, I think he would not have been surprised to see thatwe still continue to support oneanother in this corner of HuronCounty where our sense ofcommunity is alive and well.Although the name of the local paperis now The Citizen, the part it plays in keeping the larger community connected does not escape notice. If someone from away should read this article and write to tell of what the railway through Blyth and Londesborough meant in their lives then we will see that J.S. McKinnon’s observation about the way in which a local paper can keep connections with our village and those who have moved away is still strong today. Huron OPP Property Crimes Unit is investigating several break and enters to cottages in the Amberley Beach area. To date, five separate events have been reported. The break and enters have likely occurred sometime between Oct. 25 and Oct. 31. Items that are commonly being taken include electronics, CDs and alcohol. All residences had to be forcibly entered. Evidence from the scenes is currently being examined and the investigation is ongoing. Euchre was played Oct. 27. There were seven tables in play. Winners were: high lady, Helen Lee, 83; high man, Vera Hesselwood, 82; lone hands, Sheron Stadelmann, four, Delores Howatt, three; low lady, Marie Bromley, 34; low man, Doug Cartwright, 45. The door prize went to Helen Lee and share-the-wealth went to Russell Cook, Kay Hesselwood and Edythe Beacom. The next euchre will be on Nov. 10 at 7:30 p.m. at the Legion Hall. Come out and enjoy the fun and fellowship. Blyth United Church is having its annual fall supper on Saturday, Nov. 8 from 4:30 - 7 p.m. Tickets are available from Tasty Treats or any member of the board of stewards. Morris-Turnberry History Committee is hosting an information night on Nov. 13 in Bluevale Hall at 7:30 p.m. Come out and see what the committee is looking for and bring your stories and pictures with you. BLYTH UNITED CHURCH Greeting at Blyth United Church on Sunday, Nov. 2, were Joann MacDonald and Terry Richmond. Ushering were Joann MacDonald, Brenda Brooks, Nicole Kerr and Terry Richmond. Guest organist was Nancy Park. The choir favoured the congregation with the anthem, Gentle Shepherd Come and Lead Us. The Call to Worship and the Prayer of Approach was followed by a dramatized Gospel lesson from Luke 15: 11-32 with Jessica Sparling, Jon Hakkers, Rev. Gary Clark and Deb and Fred Hakkers. The children were asked to come to the front and Rev. Clark explained how the daughter took all the money her parents gave her and spent it on things she wanted at the time. When it was all gone she lived in a friend’s van until her friends convinced her to go home that her parents would still love her. It was the same as God will forgive and still love people when they do something wrong. The children went downstairs for their time of fellowship. The congregation and choir sang the song, All I Really Need. The second scripture lesson from Leviticus was followed by the singing of the hymn, The Servant Song. Rev. Clark reminded everyone about the story of the Prodigal Son and his older brother. The Pharisees and scribes were upset with Jesus for talking to the sinners. Jesus tells them the parable of the lost sheep and the Prodigal Son. The son takes his inheritance and spends it all. When the Prodigal Son returns home instead of being angry at his son, the father welcomed him with open arms and orders a party in his honour. The older son is angry that his brother has spent all his money and is welcomed home with a feast and he who has done all the work is given nothing. This is the same with God. If people do something wrong God still loves them and cares for them, said Rev. Clark. Community spirit evident in scrapbook Remembrance Day Nov. 11/08 Service will be held at the BLYTH MEMORIAL HALL at 10:45 a.m. with Pastor Les Cook officiating. The Parade Parties will meet at the Blyth Legion at 10:15 a.m. YOUR ATTENDANCE SHALL BE REMEMBERED Blyth Legion Branch 420 Tuesday, November 11, 2008 It’s Our 1st Anniversary Thank you to all our customers for your patronage over the last year. Your support has been appreciated. Lorna & Randy Fraser The Laundromat 191 Westmoreland St., Blyth By Marilyn Craig Call 523-9318 From Marilyn’s Desk NEWS FROM BLYTH Car Oiling at Lee's Service Centre Hours: Mon. - Thurs. 1 pm - 8 pm; Fri. 1 pm - 6 pm; Sat. 8 am - 12 noon (Weather permitting) 348 Dinsley St. E., Blyth 519-523-9151 We use Hot, Acid Free, New Oil CARS & LIGHT TRUCKS Trunk Lid Inner Fenders Doors & Door Panels Dog LegsUnderside Inner Fenders Hood Annual Fall Supper Saturday, November 8 4:30 - 7:00 pm Blyth United Church Adults: $12.00, children (6-12) $6.00, under 6 free Tickets available from any steward or call Brenda 519-523-4503, Rob 519-523-9157 or the church 519-523-4224. Blyth Horticultural Society Meeting Monday, November 17 at Blyth Memorial Hall 7:30 pm Guest Speaker — Adam McKigan (of the Ministry of Natural Resources) speaking on endangered plant species & butternut trees and the canker currently affecting them. Entertainment —The Nicholson Family Refreshments served ~ Membership renewal Everyone welcome! You don’t have to be a member to attend! Several Amberley break-ins