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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Huron Expositor, 1995-09-20, Page 3Feature Family has long record of service BY TIM CUMMING Expositor Editor On March 22, 1995 a respectful ceremony was held on board Her Majesty's Cana- dian Ship (HMCS) Preserver. The ashes of John Henry Higgs were released into the rocky waters of the Strait of Gibraltar. John Henry Higgs was born on Feb. 12, 1928 in Devizes, England. He went on to serve in the merchant navy in Great Britain, transporting soldiers. A youthful photo of him in uni- form, at the age of 17, shows someone who looks like he is little more than a boy. Today, merchant seamen in Canada are only beginning to receive recognition for their wartime service. In England they are still waiting. The service of committal aboard a ship can't be done for just anyone. It must be a parent of someone serving on the ship. The occasion is also officially registered. The March service was officiated by the ship's padre, Captain the Rev- erend John M. Fletcher. A videotape of the ceremony has been sent to the sister of the late Mr. Higgs in England. It may also be seen by Mr. Higgs' father, who is still alive. John Higgs died in Seaforth on March 10, 1993 after suffer- ing for years from a debilitat- ing illness. The March commit- tal ceremony was a fitting tribute to the Seaforth man. Our account doesn't end, however, with the scattering of John Higgs' remains. This is also the story of a family with a long record of service. The two children of John and Rosalind Higgs arc members of Canada's services. Gary Higgs, 36, is a Master Seaman in the Canadian Navy. Lisa Higgs, 27, is a Corporal in the Canadian Army._ JOHN HENRY HIGGS ...in uniform at the age of 17, during his Merchant Navy days. 'I don't know why...' Rosalind Higgs isn't sure why her children chose their careers in the army and navy. Perhaps the family's record of service is in the. blood. Rosalind had a brother and several uncles in the Royal Navy. "I suppose they get it honest- ly," she smiles. Although Rosalind Higgs wasn't in the military she cer- tainly knew what wartime was all about. She spent much of the war in air raid shelters and at the age of 13 she was work- ing in a wartime factory. After the war, in 1965, the Higgs family came to Canada and settled between Brucefield and Kippen. Gary was 6'h at the time. • The Higgs children attended public school in Brucefield and high school at Central Huron Secondary in Clinton. Serving in the navy was a lifelong dream for Gary. His GARY HIGGS ...following father's foot- steps on the sea. parents always knew that he was headed in that direction. Lisa's mother was surprised, however, when the daughter announced she was joining the army. In the early going John Higgs joked to his son that he would never make it through training camp. He not only made it through but has given sixteen years of service to his country. Rosalind Higgs told her daughter she would never make it through boot camp. Six years later, she has not only com- pleted boot camp but has been promoted to Corporal. Gary Higgs lives in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. He is now repairing ships in Halifax but he has spent many years on the water. He has visited Nor- way, Italy, Greece, Portugal, Spain, the former Yugoslavia and travelled above the Arctic Circle. For Lisa, sitting in an office was not her way. She now does signalling and communications in the field. She is currently living at a base in Calgary. LISA HIGGS ...promoted to Corporal. She once phoned home and her mother did not recognize her voice right away. It was not surprising, however, as the daughter was speaking from the back of a tank. Rosalind Higgs says it was her children's choice to enter the services. Although she respects their chosen paths she says it's sometimes hard to have them living so far away. "I wish they lived closer." She says her children have had their share of adventure but they have also done a lot of good. When Rosalind Higgs sent a care package of Hallowe'en candy to her daughter, Lisa Higgs passed out the treats to children in the Golan Heights. Gary Higgs gave away some of his own clothes in refugee camps dur- ing one of his leaves. Life in the military is more than just adventure. "It's not just sailing the seas, it's other things," says Rosalind Higgs. "It's not all fun and games, there are a lot of teary bits to it." Scouts welcome girl members for first time For the first time Seaforth has a Scout who is a girl. The Seaforth Scouting move- ment is expecting more female applicants to Scouting now that this monumental change has taken place. This is the first year First Seaforth Scouts is officially co- ed. Allowing girls into Scouts was met with some opposition in Seaforth. The decision was made, however, to comply with human rights legislation. Group Committee Chair Gord Phillips says he doesn't sec any reason why girls can't take part and enjoy Scouts just like the boys. He says there will be a female leader during each event where the female Scouts take part. Women in the Seaforth community are encouraged to volunteer their time to the Scouts to help with the program. "Volunteers are always needed," he said. There are more than 50 youngsters registered in Bea- vers, Cubs and Scouts. Although some young people complain of lack of available activities, the Scouting move- ment offers many recreational and educational opportunities. The group committee chair says the Scouting movement provides lots of chances tohike and camp. "There is tons of stuff to do," he said. The programs help young people learn how to build things, fix things or make do with things. Scout leader is Harry DenHaan. Interested young people can phone him at 527- 0557. Cub leader is Dwain Forrest, who can be contacted at 522- 0970. The leader of the Beavers is Leslie Ash. Parents of children who want to find out about Beavers can phone her at 527- 0548. Girls from Seaforth and surrounding communities also have the opportunity to take part in the Qirl Guides, which •is active in the Seaforth area. The Girl Guides meet at Bethel Bible Church in Egmondville. Contact for the group is Helen Vock, who can FINAL NOTICE ALL PERSONS REQUIRING A CHANGE OF ADDRESS OR PHONE NUMBER IN OUR ANNUAL PHONE BOOK LISTING MUST HAVE THE DETAILS SUBMITTED BY FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23rd BEFORE.12 NOON be reached at 522-0411. This, week the new Girl Guides got to know each other. In upcoming weeks they will have the chance to learn basic skills and have fun as well. The Guide leader says the group 'gives girls a chance to get to know other kids in the arca. "11 gives you something to do, at the same time you're learning something." The leader of the Brownie, Cheryl -Ann Stadelbau sr- Sampa, expressed. her exc, e- ment with this year's program after the group's first_ meeting this week. The theme this year is 'Brownies for fun and adven- ture,' with a renewed emphasis on having fun. Girls 7-8 have a chance to learn not only skills, but about the community in which they live. Sparks in the Seaforth area are led by Grace Wiggins. Any interested parents can contact her at 522-0502. "It's a new program this year," she said. "There are a lot of new ideas...we'd be really excited to see more participation." The youngest segment of the Guide movement (kindergarten aad grade one age) involves lois of crafts, activities and even mini -hikes. Registration for Scouts and Guides was held last week, Sept. 6-7, but children are still welcome to join. TNR HURON RXPOSITOR, Septan r 20,1995-3 yfr- BAKING VALUES Vdds Itat e t Ito? Our Fall Bak/n ! Lineu APPLE FRITTERS HARVEST LOAVES PUMPKIN PIE & APPLE PIE APPLE CINNAMON LOAF APPLE CRISP Tasty Nu Bread Buy 3 Get 1 FREE Weekly Specials Fast, Friendly Service CAKE DONUTS & MORE Enjoy soup and sandwiches, hot entrees, fresh hot coffee, donuts, pastries and more! MAIN STREET TastyNu SEAFORTH Bakery & Cheese House 527-1803 THE 23ND ANNUAL VAN EGMOND FOUNDATION SUNDAY SEPT. 24th 10AMto5:00PM Flea Market Cider Making Sausage Making Horseshoe Pitching Entertainment ?/ Tea Cup Reading FOOD AVAILABLE - All Day Long Gates Open at 10 AM Admission: Foray '5.00, Adults1.00, Students' 1.00 Pre -School Children FREE See *6474eref/ Seaforth Recreation Department's FALL LEISURE ACTIVITIES FURNITURE REFINISHING MONDAYS BEGINNING OCTOBER 2, 1995 100 - 9:00 p.m. EACH NIGHT AT THE SEAFORTH DISTRICT HIGH SCHOOL FOR 10 WEEKS FEE: 840.00 DESCRIPTION; Techniques of how furniture and refinish to look like new. FITNESS IS FUN TUESDAY/THURSDAY MORNINGS and WEDNESDAY EVENINGS 9:00 TO 10:00 a.m. and 8:00 TO 9:00 p.m. BEGINNING SEPTEMBER 26, 1995 AT THE SEAFORTH AND DISTRICT COMMUNITY CENTRES FOR 10 WEEKS FEE: Once per week = 835.00 Twice per week = 850.00 Three per week = 865.00 DESCRIPTION; The morning classes will be gentle aerobics, while the Wednesday evening will be more demanding. STEP TRAINING WEDNESDAY EVENINGS from 7:00 TO 8:00 p.m. BEGINNING SEPTEMBER 27, 1995 AT THE SEAFORTH AND DISTRICT COMMUNITY CENTRES FOR 10 WEEKS FEE: 835.00 DESCRIPTION; This more demanding type of fitness pro- gram gives you an excellent workout. Steps are provided RECREATIONAL VOLLEYBALL WEDNESDAY EVENINGS BEGINNING OCTOBER 4, 1995 FROM 8:00 to 10:00 p.m. AT THE SEAFORTH AND DISTRICT HIGH SCHOOL FOR 10 WEEKS FEE: 830.00 DESCRIPTION; This is a non-competitive recreational program for those who enjoy Volleyball and would like.a night out. BEGINNER DOG OBEDIENCE TUESDAYS BEGINNING OCTOBER 3, 1995 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. EACH NIGHT AT THE • SEAFORTH & DISTRICT COMUNITY CENTRES 10 WEEKS FEE: 845.00 to strip your old DESCRIPTION; Teach your dog how to heel, sit, stay, and many other commands. OLD TIME LINE DANCING TUESDAY MORNINGS BEGINNING SEPT. 26, 1995 AT THE SEAFORTH AND DISTRICT COMMUNITY CENTRES • FOR 10 WEEKS FEE: 835500 DESCRIPTION; This program will have all your old time music, and learn how to line dance to them. WATER COLOUR PAINTING TUESDAY EVENINGS FROM 7:00 TO 9:30 p.m. BEGINNING OCTOBER 3, 1995 AT THE SEAFORTH AND • DISTRICT HIGH SCHOOL FOR 10 WEEKS FEE: 865.00 DESCRIPTION; The instructor will teach you how to draw your subject, then guide you through the painting process. RECREATIONAL BASKETBALL THURSDAY EVENINGS BEGINNING OCTOBER 5, 1995 FROM 8:00 to 10:00 p.m. AT THE SEAFORTH AND DISTRICT HIGH SCHOOL FOR 10 WEEKS FEE: 830.00 DESCRIPTION; This is also a recreational program for those who want to enjoy a night of exercise, socializing and play a little pickup basketball. PLEASE PRE -REGISTER FOR ALL THE ABOVE PROGRAMS BY CALLING THE RECREATION OFFICE AT 527-0882. MINIMUM AND MAXIMUM NUMBERS ARE IN EFFECT FOR ALL PROGRAMS. Other programs to watch for are Children's Gymnastics, Sign Language, Badminton, and Computers. If you are interested in the above programs call and leave your name. If you have a new program idea or know of any program instructors please call the Recreation Office at 527-0882.