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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Exeter Times-Advocate, 1973-08-02, Page 18. • X Let Us Hear From You( If you know of a young couple recently married or about to be just fill in this coupon and mail to our office. We will start a 6 month sobScription for the newlyweds as our wedding gift. NAME OF NEWLYWEDS DATEMARRIED SIGNA-TURE*— Ii*exthaiiritAkitiocafe 5eA A50. Ontario 235-033 1973 PLYMOUTH SATELLITE SEABRING 2- door hardtop, V-8, automatic, power steering, power disc brakes, radio, vinyl roof, light package, etc. etc. Distinctly different in style. Licence 0D0215 1971 VALIANT DUSTER 2-door sport coupe, 6 cylinder, automatic, power steering, radio, sleek sports compact. Licence DDP903 1973 VALIANT SCAMP 2-door hardtop, 6 cylinder, automatic, radio, vinyl seats, etc, etc. A stand-out in the compact field, Licence D D0104 1966 FORD CUSTOM 500 4-door, 6 cylinder, automatic, dependable transporta- tion that reflects the previous owner's care. Licence 000779 1964 THUNDERBIRD 2-door hardtop, lots of extras. Priced low before safety check, * ON THE SPOT FINANCING * ALL UNITS FULLY SAFETY CHECKED * `GRADES WELCOME '4195 '2995 '3186 795 595 THOMPSON • WARNER e MOTORS LTD. Open 7 days to p.m. Two locations to serve you in Grand send Phone 138-2036 Dodge Plymouth pndor truth; Dodge Trarlis Lower Interest Rates NOW AVAILABLE ON st and 2nd Mortgages anywhere in Ontario on RESIDENTIAL - INDUSTRIAL COMMERCIAL and FARM PROPERTIES Interim financing on new construction Or land development REPRESENTATIVES IN YOUR AREA-PHONE SAFEWAY INVESTMENTS & CONSULTANTS LTD. AREA CODE 513.744-6535 COLLECT WE BUY EXISTING IVIOFITGAGES FOR INSTANT CASH Page 1.973 August Smell of greasepaint, roar of crowd true Playhouse .dream coming ly people from the city can ap- preciate it," So now the possibility of an alternate building to replace the tent is being considered. The tent seats 962 people and a theatre in the old barn would only be able to seat 38 more. What they want now, is something that will provide the charm and flexibility of a tent but not with its disadvantages. Along with their theme of preserving the old farm flavour of the barn, is the display of early agricultural implements, "It's proving to be popular," said Mr, Murphy. "It's not an exceptional exhibit yet by any means but we are trying to add to it all the time." Also with the implement exhibit is a display of different works of art by local artists. There is generally a new display every week but sometimes a good said. "The original idea was to have a summer season here and a winter season in Toronto. But it takes all year to get things ready here." Even after the idea had been accepted it took six months to find the right kind of place that was available. But even when they had what seemed to be the perfect farm at the present location east of Grand Bend theywere faced with the problem of trying to maintain the rustic appearance of the old barn while making it into a theatre, A six-month engineer's study proved their ideas were feasible but if the theatre was to be built upstairs then all the wooden beams would have to be replaced with steel. "That would defeat the whole purpose of the barn." said Mr, Murphy "We want to preserve it in the original form if possible, so OFFICIALLY OPEN COURTS - The new Lakewood tennis club, north of Grand Bend officially opened Satur- day. The ribbon was cut by Grand Bend councillor Douglas Martin. Shown in the above picture are Brenda Barr, part owner Bob Smith tennis pros Tom Borecky and Louis Desmarteaux, councillor Martin and Ian McKenzie, T-A photo them about fresh country air and a relaxed atmosphere, "All that's needed," he said, "is a bit of money, a bit of pitching in . ." Famous last words. "When we arrived," said Mr. Murphy, "the barn was full of old hay and corn. It ,was just a deserted place." Now, after thousands of dollars and manhours the barn contains refreshment booth, boutique and washrooms downstairs. Up in the loft are the rehearsal area, costume and prop storage, workroom, art exhibit and farm implement exhibit. And the work is far from being finished yet. Actually the whole idea of a summer theatre had been ger- minating in Mr. Murphy's mind for three years while he was teaching drama at Guelph. *I'd always said that Grand Bend was a great place for it." he Councillor, pros open' To many people who suffer from the affliction of being stage- struck, theatre can be an ex- citing, attractive and glamorous fairy-tale world. But behind the colorful facade of greasepaint and footlights are many industrious people whose long hours and hard work turn out a finished product enjoyed by patron and critic alike, Grand Bend's Huron Country Playhouse is no exception. In two years a small group of people have established a respectable theatre where no such cultural activity existed before. Add to that the renovation of a deserted farm with a tum- bledown barn, into facilities for a theatre company and you have an impressive accomplishment. According to the story in the Playhouse programs, it was during a lunch break between rehearsals at the Colonnade Theatre in Toronto, that James Murphy, managing director of the present company, told the Toronto Gate Theatre Produc- tions company that he had found them a summer home. It would have sounded great to city weary actors when he told new GB tennis court Steer This Way BY LARRY SNIDER Help is available for your child regardless of Handicap Registration for HURON HOPE NURSERY SCHOOL During Month of August No Charge All Handicapped Children Age 2 and up in South Huron and District 3 Mornings a week September 1973 - June 1974 Call: • Mrs. Nonie Hemmingway 243-2495 or write: RR 2, Grand Bend featured Tom Borecky and Louis Desmarteaux, Borecky is presently head pro at the London tennis and badminton club and was a member of Canada's junior Davis Cup team for two years, He has spent five summer seasons as a tennis pro in Winterthru, Switzerland and three years at Ken Gardens tennis club in Toronto. Desmarteaux was the top ranked junior in Canada between 1965 and 1970. While playing for Miami-Dade junior College in Florida, he was undefeated in 25 starts and was voted "All- American" for two seasons. A fire extinguisher in your car is a good safety precaution. The dry chemical type is preferred; it can be used on any kind of fire, and does not create toxic gases. New tennis courts were of- ficially opened in the Grand Bend area Saturday featuring an exhibition between two well known Canadian professionals. The new courts, known as the Lakewood tennis club are located in Stephen township just north of Prosper's Garage on highway 21, Official opening festivities included a ribbon cutting ceremony conducted by Grand Bend councillor Douglas Martin, The general public was allowed to play free of charge throughout Saturday on a first come, first serve basis. The courts have the new all-weather Leykold surface and a new clubhouse has been built. Bob Smith, part owner of the tennis venture said, "mem- bership sales are going well, but there are still plenty of openings for prospective players." He expressed concern however that people might put off joining until next year and be disap- pointed because of the lack of vacancies. A pro will be available for weekend clinics for the balance of this summer and a resident junior pro will join the staff in 1974. Saturday's exhibition match ODDS 'N - From such assorted paraphernalia comes the necessary props to make the set for a play. The prop room at the Playhouse is located in the top of the old barn. When is a convertible not a convertible? When its a car with a large roof window that can be opened, but will block excess heat and brightness when closed, It's hard to get into today's cars without a key, Keep a record of your car key's serial number with you. Better yet, keep a spore set of keys! it* more expensive battery may be cheaper in the long run, if you get more starts from it. -4( More and more families, es- pecially in suburbia, find they need as many as three cars to keep the family mobile. Big crowd for bingo, Swiss family visit Buying your third car - or your first? Make By MRS. FRANK PLUMB Canadian Legion Branch 498 had a packed house for their regular bingo Thursday, Game winners were Dave Root, Wind- sor; Mr. Root. Sr., Windsor; Arnold Baker, Turnbull's Grove; Gordon Boast, London. Mrs. Ruth Hopkins got the consolation prize for the jackpot. The next jackpot will be $65. Mrs. C.E. MacLennan and Arnold Baker won tickets for the dance at the Casino donated by Ian Coles. Austin Mini Days A great time to buy one of the most economical cars ever built SOUTH END SERVICE EXETER 235-2322 Larry Snider MOTORS LIMITED EXETER 235-1640 LONDON 227-4191 Huron County's Largest Ford Dealer Drive in soon' your first stop. A goad car at a good price - and you're on wheels? show is held over, "Last year we couldn't find enough local talent," Mr. Murphy said, "But this year its appearing because now there is an outlet for it." Props were also something that was not easy to come by last year. "Most of them are borrowed. We own very little and so one man has a full time job just going around and borrowing what we need," said Mr. Murphy. "People were apprehensive about it at first but since we stand behind anything that's damaged they are now eager to con- tribute." The theatre now employs 40 people although only 25 are full time. This includes the eight actors in the company, nine apprentices and the producing and administrative staff. All live on the grounds. The apprentices are mostly university students who are working in the summer stock in order to earn their professional standing. After two years they become eligible to join the Actors Equity Association. Applications have come from all over Canada and they generally stay only one season, As well as the chance to act with the pros, they get practical experience in all other areas by helping out whenever they can. The professionals are mostly Toronto based and have had a wide experience in television, films and other stage produc- tions. They take turns alternating major roles with more minor ones in each play so that one actor is not overwhelmed with lines to memorize and charac- terizations to study. A play opens each Wednesday night with dress rehearsal on Tuesday. Then the next day rehearsals begin for the production scheduled for the following Wednesday. "These people are highly specialized." said Mr. Murphy, "They have to be able to work in a short amount of time." "Most of the details like costume fittings, lines and character study have all been d dne before rehearsal." Five hours are spent in rehearsal each day. The plays are directed by a guest director who does a minimum of two shows. They too have' a wide range of experience and qualifications. Last year, the theatre company was granted a non-profit charter and a LIP grant to help pay for the extensive renovations. This year with the help of arts grants to pay operation costs and public funds to cover further renovations to the upstairs of the barn, they hope to break even. The question now is whether the Huron Country Playhouse can work in time. , "We are enduring growing pains now." said Mr. Murphy. "Funding agencies take the attitude that you have to be established. But if you are, you don't need their help then." "We're a new untried venture but we seem to have staying power. I think that we have a great deal of trust and confidence from the community. People now regard us seriously as a business venture." "But what we really need," Mr. Murphy went on, "more than anything else, is people who will buy tickets and come out and see the plays." "More than subsidies we need audiences. The ones who were most apprehensive at first seem to be enjoying it the most." With the type of light and en- tertaining productions the Playhouse has been putting on and with the quality of acting in them its difficult to see how this can continue to be a problem, By MR. MELVIN DURR Mr. & Mrs. Fred Walden have returned from a motor trip through the west. George Laird a municipal road employee has been attending a course at Guelph sponsored by the Good Roads Association. Jack Willsie has had Richard Le Page, Don Mills on a rural student exchange and Diane Wright had Helen Vergunst, Sarnia as her guest. Sunday visitors with Mr. & Mrs. Walt Thomson were Mr. & Mrs. Jake Funk and family Thamesford, Mr, & Mrs. Norman Eggett and family and Mr, & Mrs. Al Henderson, London.Wade Eggett visited the past week. Mr. & Mrs, Robert Wilson (nee Diane Parsons) were entertained recently at a presentation by residents of the 2nd and 4th concession and Mr. & Mrs. Richard Sercombe who recently moved from the community. The former were presented with a bridge set and the latter with a set of corner shelves. Mrs. Sheila Lansing and Kim, Toronto were recent visitors with her parents, Mr, & Mrs. John Melville. Mrs. Jim Struyf and daughters recently visited her sister Mrs. Mary McRae and family, Washington By MISS JEAN COPELAND By MRS. RENA CALDWELL Harold and Mrs. Jones spent a few days at Algonquin Park and Balsam Lake. Mr. & Mrs. Harold Jones and Mr. & Mrs. Ed McBride visited in Guelph recently. Mrs. Jones and Mrs. McBride attended a shower in honor of Lynn Gackstetter, bride-elect of August 4. Elzar Mousseau, who has been a patient in St. Joseph's Hospital London, has been transferred to Seaforth Hospital. Myron Gackstetter spent a few days with Ken Jones, Mrs. Margaret Barnard and Mrs. W.L. Mellis visited in Listowel last Wednesday. Mr, Edison Haziewood, Saginaw, Michigan, Mr. & Mrs. Russell Mills, and Mrs. Lottie Mills, London and Mrs. Ray Mills, St. Marys visited recently with Blanche and Rhea Mills. Mrs. Florence Tufts, London visited Tuesday with Blanche and Rhea Mills. Mr, & Mrs. George Wheeler and Mr. & Mrs. John Rodd, Pamela and Calvin attended the Wheeler reunion at the home of Mr. & Mrs, Cedric Wheeler, Brownsburg, Quebec Saturday, Mrs. Mervina Ilazlewood and Geo. Vriese Men's Shoppe CHANGE OF OWNERSHIP SALE Next Thursday Store Wide Reductions We Welcome the new Grand Bend LAKEVIEW TENNIS CLUB to the area and wish them a 'Smashing Success Exeter Grand Bend 235-2311 238-2161 Summer Visitors and Grand Bend Residents see us for your DRUG STORE NEEDS * Courteous staff to serve you Well stocked store of health and beauty aids * Pleasant, air conditioned back ground music atmosphere We hope your holidays are Happy but if you have 0t1 Emergency our phone number is on our front door Bob Middleton Stan Howell MIDDLETON Drugs PHONE 235-1570 EXETER Dr. & Mrs, H. Bachman, Switzerland visited recently with Mrs. Susan Devine. Other guests were Mrs. Leo Chendel, Mrs. Harry Huehnergard, Kitchener, and Mr. & Mrs. Irvine Devine. Persona Is Mrs. A. Moffat, Kippen, Mrs. M. Routson, Clinton, and Mrs. E. Brady, Exeter spent the weekend with Mrs. Ralph Bailey. W.O. and Mrs. D.F. McGillivray, Patrick and Laurie, from Trenton, are spending the month with their grandmother, Mrs. Ralph Bailey. Brad Page, Grand Bend won $25 in the Alhambra Draw, At the end of the successful Arts and Crafts Show, Mrs. Willis Gill won the draw for the angel food cake made by Mrs, Mac- Donald.Buster Clarke and a man from Ingersoll won the draws for the two boxes of groceries. Susan Elizabeth Wilson and Leonard Wayne Jones were united in marriage July 27. Susan is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Wilson, Wind- sor and Elmwood, Grand Bend, Wayne is the son of Mr, and Mrs. Leonard Jones, London, The wedding took place at the Church of Christ Disciples, London. A reception followed at the Green Forest Motor Hotel, Grand Bend. The couple are residing in London, Out of town guests were the bride's grandparents, Mr, and Mrs. John Valiance; Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Bensette; and Mr, and Mrs. Allan Fletcher, all of Windsor.