Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Wingham Advance Times, 1995-01-25, Page 3WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 25,1995 New policies for the Canada's largest illusion show Lover Toin featured at Madill fund raiser By CAMERON J. WOOD The Advance -Times There's an old magic trick that used to wow all the kids who at- tended the amateur show: sawing a woman in half. Even professional illusionist Claude Haggerty says he liked that one. But now, with the 1990's al- most half over and the technologi- cal advancements surrounding soci- ety, Haggerty admits the time has come to do away with the two women in a box trick. Haggerty is bringing his massive travelling illusion show to F.E. Ma- dill on February 2, but in a recent phone interview, he said he's going to leave the saw box at home. The trick is still in the show — complete with a 30 -inch power saw: There just isn't a box. "David Copperfield, Siegfrid and, Roy, they made that trick an en- hanced illusion. I wanted to do something more and when I was in Alberta one time, I saw a farmer us- ing a 30 -inch power saw to cut ftp some trees. I use a 30 -inch power saw and I always wanted to elimi- nate the box (from the trick), so at Madill, the woman will be in full view — no boxes. It's amazing," Haggerty said. "We take ideas that have been out there for a while and make them better." But perhaps his biggest draw, more than sawing a person in half, is Haggerty's use of some of the world's most majestic cats. Cur- rently he owns five big cats: lions, tigers and'a cougar. He wasn't sure which pair will make the trip to Wingham since they work on a ro- tation system. And with 90 shows booked for the 28 short days of February this year, they'll need a couple days rest here and there. In 1994, the company performed some 740 shows. Haggerty has been performing animals tricks on a large scale for some time. In 1993 he added a 6,000 lbs disappearing elephant to his summer shows. Haggerty expects between five and eight tonnes of equipment will be needed for the spectacular on February 2 in Wingham. But that's nothing when you consider he's done some huge shows in the past 10 years: like when the world fa- mous West Edmonton Mall opened in the 1980's, his troupe was one of four that was accepted to perform in front of 140,000 people. Hagger- ty and his crew beat out over 2,000 entertainers for the job. In addition, he performed at the 'opening cere- monies for the National Hockey League's 1989 All Star Game in Edmonton. Since then his show has set record attendance numbers. "But our specialty is high schools. It's a very difficult market to crack...there's probably only two or three shows that I know of that have done well in that market." "It's a full time job just doing all the booking and business," he said. But admitting to being a fussy busi- nessman and performer, Haggerty said he would have a hard time giv- ing up that side of it as well. Haggerty said his business now .revolves about 90 per cent around the school system. On top of these performances, his troupe also per- form free previews at feeder schools in each high school district. For example, while they are in the Huron region, they will perform previews at Howick Central, Luck- ' now Public, Brookside, Turnberry and Wingham Public. Children at these performances will be given an admission coupon to the Feb. 2 evening show. Making Money Haggerty said the whole process helps with marketing his business. A lot of his clients now are repeats and referrals; which in turn makes the business aspect a little lighter burden to bear. He said he figures his troupe has donated some 500 shows to the feeder schools. "But you have to give to get. If they know you have a good show•..." Haggerty and his co-workers all hail from the Niagara region and have been performing for over20 years. He started his own magic ca- . reer in Dunnville at the age of 13, working local parties for $10 d shot. When he was 22, he quit a job as an industrial chemist and turned to the stage. His show is now one of the largest travelling illusion shows on the continent. For the F.E. Madill fund raising show, the students will have a per- formance at 2:00 p.m. Haggerty ex- pects about 700 students to attend. Then at 7:00 p.m., he will return to the stage for a public performance. Tickets for the show are $5 each. "I think Madill should be able.to raise between $1,000 and $1,500. And that's great. It's a win/win all around." development Township will make ammendments to their Official Plan By MARGARET STAPLETON The Advance -Times Turnberry •council will incorpo- rate new policies for the .develop- ment of Lower Town into an. offi- cial plan amendment to the township secondary plan. Affected landowners will be advised of the changes at a public meeting to be held later in the spring; Ruth Knight of the county plan- ning department attended the sec- ond monthly meeting of Turnberry council on Jan. 17. She presented an overview of the Lower Town sit- uation and ways that the township .. .may have a provincial moratorium lifted on develVpment there. In bringing new members of council up to date on the matter, Knight explained that in 1990 Turnberry council proposed a re= zoning and official plan amend- ment on lands in Lower Town. At that time, the then Ontario Ministry of the Environment insisted that a hydrogeological survey of the area be conducted to assess . the impact of development , on the environ- ment. Subsequently, a moratorium was placed on development until the ministry's concerns could be an- swered. Since then. council has had sur- veys of the existing development conducted by Environmental Youth Corps students. This includes a de- tailed outline of dug and drilled wells and septic systems in Lower Town. Well records also have been studied, soils sampled and bacteria counts taken, • The results were not conclusive, said Knight. Most dug wells did not meet drinking water standards, Please see DEVELOPMENT/16 Turnberry councillor's suggestion rejected; Will wait until budget. time By MARGARET STAPLETON The Advance -Times Despite a suggestion by a town- ship councillor to make a donation toward Wheels Away, Turnberry council will wait and look at the matter at budget time. Representatives of the North Hu- ron Special Transit Corporation, which operates the Wheels Away service, attended the first monthly meeting of Turnberry council. At that time, council said it would look at a contribution to Wheels Away at budget time later this win- ter. Turnberry's share of the 1994 Wheels Away operating deficit has been estimated at over $1,100. Councillor Bill Purdon said at last week's meeting of council that he had talked to a lot of people about Wheels Away during last fall's municipal election campaign. He said he came on council pre- pared to support the service, but since has given the entire matter second thought. In his research, Mr. Purdon said he has found that Wheels Away is used by Turnberry residents, often by people returning to their homes from Wingham and District Hospi- tal. "It is an essential service," he said. However, he added, according to figues he has ascertained from the 1993 Wheels Away financial state- ment -- last year's is not yet availa- ble -- Mr. Purdon said he is con- ceited that a good deal of the Wheels Away budget goes toward administration costs. "It appears they (Wheels Away) are top-heavy with administration." >IIYYt -since Wheels Away is "be- ing used by our people", Mr. Pur - don suggested the township make a donation of $500 toward the ser- vice for 1994. Although his fellow council member, Paul Elgie, said he is in favor of helping older people who need help, council as a whole was not prepared to act on a donation to Wheels Away until budget time. "It's a good cause," said Deputy Reeve Mery Baker. "But only a few peopledo use it." "To make a grant now would go against our policy (of hot donating to charities)", noted Reeve Brian McBurney. The entire matter of Wheels Away and the township's donation policy will be discussed in late Feb- ruary or early March during budget deliberations. Morris will pay Moms Township has agreed to pay its portion of the operating costs of Wheels Away. The township's estimated cost for 1994 is just over $100. Howev- er, the actual cost will be available to the township at a later date. The cost is based on the number of rides by township residents. Wheels Away chairperson Vicki Piluke said Morris Town- ship decided to grant $501) to the transportation service in 1993, Please see MORRIS/9 Gayle's Hair Fashions Specializing in: •Penns , Cut's •Colors •Highlighting • Streaks Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday 9 am - 5 pm Wednesday 9 am - 7 pin Saturday 9 am- 12 noon (ask for Lisa or Gayle) Gayle's Hair Fashions 176 Scott St. Wingham 357 m 3891 THE WINDHAM ADUA I*TIMES Wingham Stationery 236 Josephine Street Wingham 357-3191 Py I-YG •• is For Valentine's Da Early! �rder ,.Send the FTD Bouquet of Love. It's Bright, Fresh, Fragrant Flowers in a Lead Crystal Vase. An Elegant Way to show how much you care on Valentine's Day. and Every Day. LEWIS FLOWERS 135 Frances Street 357-3880 Wingham 011c -wk= drWP Town of Wingham Recycling We will be placing an order for some LARGE -SIZE WHEELED RECYCLING BINS. These are used for Commercial or Industrial Recycling Purpo 'es (Cans, Bottles, Newsprint). The Cost is $85.00 Each plus tax Order to be placed on January 31, 1995. Delivery Date Within 2 - 3 weeks 'lace Your order NOW to save on shipping costs. Please contact Linda Cranston at the Town Office 357-3550 AUTO SERVICE THIS.WEEKL...... WHEEL ALIGNMENT Includes: Inspect Tires "Adjust Pressures "Inspect Suspension "Inspect Steering Adjust Camber, Castor 'Adjust Toe In, Toe Out Regular Price 29. 99 J InCiudes: 'Complete Check "Safety Certificate or Written Government Safety inspection Estimate gg Re • ular Price 9. Service Centre Hours: Monday - Saturday 8:30 - 5:30. OIL CHANGE Includes: Free Exhaust Inspection "Grease All Grease Points "Up To 51 Motornaster Supreme Oil "Oil Filter 'Labour Included Regular Price 23.95 4 Wheel Ride Package "Balance 4 Wheels "4 Wheel Brake Inspection Includes: "Rotate 4 Wheels Regular Price (r�.0® iiiMINIMMONININEMOMIE SALE PRICES IN EFFECT TO FEBRUARY 4, 1995 86 Josephine Street Wingham 357-3714 vow Service Centre Hours: Monday - Saturday 8:30.5:30.