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Wingham Advance-Times, 1980-02-27, Page 6in Advarice-Times. February 27, 1980 0 rs of refugee CCfM esciii3ed by Ing artiele, which appeared first in the Vernon, B.C., Daily News, was submitted to us by Mary Scott of Wingham. It tells of the experiences of a Vernon couple, Andy and Catherine McKague, during a vacation in Thailand last year, eihee, they hoesame swept lin by the plight of the thousands of Cambodian refugees, some of whom Mrs. McKague, a nurse, was able to help. The McKagues originally come from this area, having farmed in Culrosa Township before moving to B.C. , By Catherine McKague During our vacation we met people who were involved with the Cambodian refugee situation and agreed to volunteer our help in their effort. The two-hour drive to Sra Kreow, 70 miles east of Bangkok, offered many of the sights we had been enjoying: water buffalo tended by naked children, elephants being driven to their daily work, many isolated temples in golden splendor and the end- less rice fields. Turning the last corner we came upon a sight that will forever haunt me: barbed wire, armed guards, and beyond that hundreds of pieces of blue plastic stret- ched over tree poles, the only shelter from the merciless sun for 20,000 refugees. We checked in at a tent where we were given a name tag and urged to go straight- away to the hospital units. I soon learned the desperate need for nurses and medical personnel. We passed men, women and children in long lines, waiting for their daily ration of rice and soya milk. There was no expression on their faces, their walk aimless and zombie -like. The clothing they wore was nothing but dark rags wrapped around them; the more fortunate had scraps left over for their heads. We knew we were heading for the medical tents when we saw the direction the stretcher bearers were taking. Stret- chers were dark canvas sheets with a rough tree pole on either side, carried by volun, teers. Following one of these make -shift stretchers we found the medical tent where the team spoke English. I, made myself known as a nurse. Gratefully the Swiss doctor smiled his thanks. and thrust some orders and a patient literally into my hands. Until that day nursing to me had meant clean uniforms, starched caps, sterile "equip- ment and knowledgeable, coordinated medical teams. Here I was in blue jeans and sandals working with two European nurses, an Australian medical student and two Swiss doctors. Though we all spoke English there was no time for an orientation or to get organized. ROUTINE EMERGED Patients kept arriving in a never-ending stream. I could not speak their language. In all my years in nursing I had never run into most of these tropical diseases:' malaria, strange skin disorders, as well as cholera, dysentery, TB and malnutrition. Gradually some routine emerged. The emergency tent would tag the people and try through an interpreter to find out an identity, age and some • history. If the refugees were able to go about on their own they were allowed to wander in the compound. If seriously ill they were sent to us. We would try to crowd them into a space on the floor, which consisted of boards, with - perhaps a straw mat covering them. The interpreter and doctor would see them as soon as possible. One of us three nurses world be called to •Weishar-AlicArter vows exchanged at Teeswater Sacred Heart Roman Catho- He Church, Teeswater, was the scene of a marriage cere- mony uniting •Joanne Ellen McArter of RR 4, Brussels, and Paul John Welsher, RR 2, Teeswater. Rev. Ted, Slaman pronounced the couple husband and wife during an evening ceremony on Friday, February 1. Julie King was organist and Teresa Millen was soloist. Joanne is the daughter of Mrs. William McArter. RR 4, *.r Brussels, and the late Mr. McArter. Parents off the groom are Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Welsher, RR 2, Teeswater. Maid of honor was Miss Doreen McCormick, RR 2, Wingham. Earl Reinhardt of RR 2, Teeswater, was best man and guests were ushered by Raymond Welsher and Steven Welsher, both of RR 2, Teeswater. Following the ceremony a reception was held in, the basement of the church. St.Paul,s Church (ANGLICAN) WINGHAM John Street ot Centre Street The Retior: The Rey John T M Swon L Th THE ANGLICAN PARISH OF WiNGHAN1 AND BELGRAVE ST. PAUL'S CHURCH, WINGHAM SUNDAY, MARCH 2 * The Second Sundby in Lent * 8:30 a. m. --Holy Eucharist in the Church School I I :00 a.m.—Sung Eucharist & Sermon MEETINGS Wednesday, 8:00 p.m.—The Board of Management Thursday, 2:00 p.m.—A.C.W. at the Rectory 7:30 p.m.—Choir Practice at the Rectory Friday, 3:45 p.m.—Junior Confirmation Class • er area carry out orders. IVs had to be strung from any make -shift pole or line, medications given to stomachs which had not known food recently. MANY DISEASES Rush rounds were made to patients, bone thin, suffering from dysentry. These people had enough tropical diseases as well as diseases I was used to dealing with to fill a text book. The people I was caring for, I learned, were the lucky ones — the ones to escape the death -shattered battlefields of Cambodia and VOthstand a 10 - month ordeal - travelling through jungles to the Thai border. As many of the sick as possible who were able to stand were taken out of the tent onto the hard -baked earth to be bathed. My husband and another volunteer from the Dutch embassy in Thailand assisted them into a sari and showered them bucket fashion. The water was brought In from Sra Kreow in large barrels; some was boiled to he used for drinking. After being bathed the people would put on - their former rags and return to us for treatment. FELT DESPAIR Althnnah we 'had done everything we could, there were to many bodies; the breakdown had been with them too long, their future a dead end. If the patient worsened he must die. There were no hospitals to accept them. The despair we all felt was bur- dening: so few of us, so many of the refugees. How long can they go on? When we leave who is to replace us? Glancing one last time over what seemed to me the utter ruins of all human dignity — the food lines where hands were marked so they wouldn't try for a second bowl of rice, the mother with her naked, scrawny baby sitting for tees weak to move, the 0.ten011 troth human ex- crement, the mud, dust and lief. Mal always the empty eYa.kgs__,_0A the children — my 'AA Flugalti ironically were drawing a parallel: my htalbatld and I had chosen to leave our beautiful country to experience the beauty and culture of another. These people, withote choice, higl fled to what 88' the borders of Thailand mew offer. We were there, but could be of little help. It is a universal effort which is needed, and soon, or these People will be doomed. The morning of our arrival back in Vernon we ex- Periesiced the pre -hustle of the Christmas season. Smiling welcomes, Christmas carols, everybody healthy, happy and well fed; people with a choice, in that theesmay choose hew to live their Ines. Joy to the world. " r • • TASTE GQOD?—Ka'NelJ4, from the Wingham Nurs- ery School, couldn't:WO Witte cake es she decided to try out the Icing befOie it inks .spread. The youngster helped decorate snit*CupCaikes and enjoyed card ex- changes and the treats With ether nursery school stu- dents. •" Heritagefakincludes open quiiticorrspetition During pioneer dayda quilt • was a vital protection in the home against the harsh cold of winter. Female members of Fordwich WI speaker quilt at an early age and tells of work,of ACWW FORDWICH — A table dis- play and a quiz depicting the work of the Associated Country Women of the World was the highlight of a talk given by Mrs. R. Agla of the Women's Institute when she spoke to fellow members at the February meeting. A very capable group, the ACWW works in over 60 countries. Its purpose is threefold: to raise the stan- dard of living of rural women; to • promote international friendship and understanding; and to be a voice for country women in international _N1RS. matters. WI Pennies for Friendship, donated by WI members, contribute over 75 per cent to this work. One of ACWW's major projects is 'Save the Sight' and in India a mobile team of doctor, nurse ,and village workers teach the mothers the importance of diet relating to sight. The organization's theme is 'Forward Together,' and the flowering tree of friendship, as imprinted on the Golden Jubilee tea towel represents through its roots, branches, leaves, flowers and WILLIAM SOTHERN • Notes from Fordwich Grant Miller returned home Sunday from Sick Children's •Hospital where he had been confined the past month. Mr. and Mrs. Cecil Lynn of Orillin visited over the weekend with Mr. and Mrs. Bill Haverfield and with Mrs. Ridley at the Geri -Care Nursing Home, Hanriston. Elmer Miller and Mrs. Shemin •Woods of Listowel attended the funeral, last Thursday of Mrs. Eloise Aitchison at the Turner -Porter Funeral Rome in Toronto. Mr. and Mrs. Len Family of Alma, Mr. and Mrs. Glenn Kelley and girls off Elora, Mr. and Mrs. Bob Kelley and Brian of Hanover visited Sunday with Mr. and Mrs. Lorne Kelley. Larry Montoux of Toronto visited Sunday with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Don Montoux. Mrs. Eva Harris is spending this week with Mr. and Mrs. JohnHarris at Bramalea and Mr. and Mrs. Les Watkins at Bolton. Mr. and Mrs. Robert McElwain of Toronto visited a couple of days last week with Miss Minnie. McElwain and John McElwain and with Mrs.. George Pittendreigh. Mrs. Myrtle Wallace of Lis- towel is spending a couple of weeks with Mr, and Mrs. Wellington Hargrave. Congratulations to Andrew Martin who received first class honors for Grade 7 Piano at the Royal Conservatory of Music, Toronto. Andrew is a pupil of Mrs, Ron Livermore. Mr. and Mrs. Holger Feld- skov, Stewart Rowley, Ted Fraser and Miss Mary Beth Sanderson attended the convention of the Ontario As- sociation of Agricultural Societies for Class A, B and C Thirteen tables at CWL euchre Thirteen 'tables of progres- sive euchre were played at the Catholic Women's League 'card party February 19. Jean Wilton and Gen, Porter took top honors an Hazel Davidson and Mary Henderson took the prizes for low scores. The door prize was won by Gladys Haskins Eileen McGlynn, Jackie McBurney and their group were conveners for the evening. fairs, held Wednesday and Thursday of last week at the Royal York Hotel, Toronto. Visitors on Sunday with Mr. .and Mrs. James Warren were Mr. and Mrs. W. Baigent of Ingersoll, Mrs. Pletch and Mrs. Anne Cameron • of Toronto. • Mrs. Leon Schneider was confined to 'Victoria Hospital, London, last week where she underwent surgery. Mr. and Mrs. Bob Clarkson and girls and Mr. and Mrs. Scott Clarkson visited Sunday with Mr. and Mrs. Tom Seip at Exeter. Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Lambley et Windsor Spent the weekend with Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd Simmermaker. fruit the aims for which the group strives. Mrs. Agla mentioned the 50th anniversary to be held in May, 1980, in Hamburg, West Germany, with the world president,r. Mrs. Raigh Roe of Australia, as its leader. Summing up thoughts on the International Year of the Child, 1979, Mrs. Agla pointed out how grandparents can play a role of relating to the grandchildren by teaching' them things they learned in their childhood. She stressed the importance of choosing right names for children so they will not be embarrassed by unsuitable nicknames -by the time they re..acho sebool Two menibera and a guest displayed a large group of oil paintings they had completed, mostly scenery with a few floral canvases. Most were _ framed and they were ex- plained by Mrs. W. Wilson, Mrs. K. Graham and Mrs. J. Robinson. They were con- gratulated on their lovely handiwork. • Mrs. T. Klaassen conducted devotions and roll call was answered by `the farthest you have been from Fordwich and something about 'it'. Two carloads of members will attend the Gorrie WI meeting on March 19. The Junior In- stitute will be invited to join the Fordwich WI for the March meeting for a slide pre- sentation on educational projects of the Maitland Valley Conservation Authority. the pioneer family learned to thereafter spent much of their time at the quilting frame. Many hard-working pioneer women had to spin and weave their own fabrics, and old garments became the major source ofpatchwork material. These wellsased fabrics were a history of the family. The patchwork of these pioneer women became a kind of chrOnicle, reflecting what had happened to the family. The quilts not only recorded family histories, but became an important part of their social lives. Friends and relatives gathering to help make the bridal quilt developed the "quilting bee" which became a major social event in the life off the com- munity. \ adually developed quilting Althout born Of necessity, into an. art. It has become an important part of our heritage • and has, remained as a „art' as: -well as a MRS. ALLAN GRIFFITH popular pastime. Of all needlework, quilt -making has probably become the most challenging, continuing to grow in popularity. More and more people are beconiing stimulated to create something ()fleeting value and beauty. 'TM') form of hand- work may be either from one of the many classic patterns or a new imaginative design or "picture story"' in- corporated into a quilt. • This heritage art will again be emphasized prominently at the Walkerton Heritage Fair this year. Many beautiful heirloom quilts by area stit- chers will he displayed some offered .for sale; as well the art of quilting will be domonstrated. • The heritage committee is presenting a quilt com- petition open to area in- dividuals and organizations, • with cash prizes to be offered. Application forms and further information may be obtained by writing the Walkertonir Heritage Fa•Committee; Box 1331,, Waikert01k. ' . Wroxeter Personals 0 1. Visiting this week with Mr. and Mrs. George Hamilton were Mr. and Mrs. Peter Kulyna from, North Star and Manning, Alberta. Their son, Bob, was one of four Alberta exchange students who 'visited this area in 1972. They are travelling on to Philadelphia, USA, for another week before they return to their home. Wroxeter friends ' are pleased to' see Mr. and Mi Matthew ' Elliot home ,again after spending the past three months in Naples, Florida. Congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Murray Louttit, the former Elizabeth Kennedy of PRESENT BOOKS—Brownie Carol SkeldIng and Guide Rhonda Rathburn present Patricia Hay, supervisor of the Winghent Brandi Library, with several handbooks last week. The presentation was performed In oc,niutiction with Guide Week. is. • 'seaseresses•• .„, 1 Wingham, who were married on February 8. They will reside in Wingham. Murray is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Gordon Louttit and is well known around Wroxeter. Michael Brewster, Toronto, visited at the weekend. with Mr. and Mrs. Alan Baitley, Tania and Angela. Sympathy is extended to Mrs. Mac Allanand family in the loss of a loving husband' and' father, Mac Allan, who passed away in Florida last week. Funeral service was held from the Currie -Walker Funeral Home, Wingham, on Saturday. 2:30 to 400 7 DAYS A • SOMEtliINO FOR MR LADIRS„. Came. visit our unusoal ectinstry resort AN!, Tea tod#,y), ; We've prepared buttered Oast, freshly made 'scopes home reaclejaM. Devon cream, cake, biscuits Mad Earl Grey tea for the occasioa. Relax and enjoy as we serve you in front of an open hearth log fire in Onentniir tin) lounges. (reservations not required) 00 just per person Complement your outing with a visit to THE HOLLOW, A unique gift shop just steps from our Inn. . Of Benmiller Inn• Nestled in Benmiller, Ont.. just 7 kilometres east of Goderieh on Huron County Road' 1. just off Highway S. phone 5244191. An apple a day may keep the ..s% *clot -away but a .Vic,toric! and , Grey % cafl help safeguard your financial health, now and in the future. Take one today for a better tothorrow. • Guaranteed for one year, 12% % for 5 years. Both Rates for Annuai Compounding; • VICTORIA AND .GREY TRUST VG • Main St. E., P.O. Box 129 Listowel, Ontario N4VV 3H2 Member: Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation Don Wright is an artist and a hemophiliac. His blood won't clot without Factor VIII, a component of blood plasma. He is alive and healthy today BECAUSE PEOPLE GIVE BLOOD0 • friends foie life EL The Canadian Red Cross Society tin 4,1,44,4 1, I