The Times Advocate, 2004-01-14, Page 2828
Exeter Times–Advocate
Wednesday,January 14, 2004
Grand opening of Relouw Early Childhood Learning Centre
By Mary Simmons
TIMES -ADVOCATE STAFF
EXETER — In spite of a
bumpy ride and specula-
tion it would never be
completed, the Relouw
Early Childhood Learning
Centre officially opened its
doors Jan. 10.
"I have to admit I didn't
think today would ever
happen," said South
Huron Mayor Rob Morley
at the grand opening cere-
mony at 80 Victoria St. E.,
adding the centre was
something the municipali-
ty was lacking and that
need has now been filled.
"This isn't a babysitting
service," Morley said.
"This is an educational
centre."
Above Francis Relouw, Ian Gibb, George Lyttle and Tony Relouw stand with the
sign for the newly opened Relouw Early Childhood Learning Centre. Below are
committee members Susanne Strang, Diane Van Bergen, Jen Taylor, Pete
Armstrong, Laurie Dykstra and Tamara Thompson. Absent are Ric Graham and
Tracy Farquhar. (photolMary Simmons)
SHDHS set to produce
"The Farm Show"
By Maegan Kipfer
SPECIAL TO THE T -A
EXETER— South Huron District
High School has been known for several
drama productions over the years such
as "Grease" and "A Midsummer Night's
Dream"; and this year's production is
sure not to disappoint.
This year's play, "The
Farm Show" by Ted Johns
is unique as it departs from
the traditional production
that follows a linear plot,
but rather consists of a series
of monologues and scenes
about different characters. In
fact, these characters are not from too
far away from the area as the play actu-
ally takes place just up the road in the
Clinton area.
It all started when a group of actors
from Toronto came to Clinton in 1972
and lived with farmers in the area for a
few months, before returning to Toronto.
Upon their return, they created this col-
lection of scenes and monologues about
the people they met in Clinton. The actors
then returned to Clinton and performed
what they had written. Much to their sur-
prise, they continued performing the play
in other parts of Canada such as Ottawa,
Stratford, Toronto and even parts of
Manitoba.
The characters in the play are inter-
esting and produce many sad and
poignant moments provoking strong
emotions, but at the same time allow the
audience to have a laugh here and there.
Perhaps more important is the fact that
"The Farm Show" is local history and
gives students a chance to explore and
appreciate the history of their own coun-
ty
One thing is certain — the cast of
35 is definitely getting a taste of
some very recent local history.
It is interesting to note that con-
' trary to other plays, there is no
star or lead character in this one.
Nevertheless, this does not take
away from the many hours of prac-
tice put in by both the cast and crew.
Both attend routine rehearsals after
school on Tuesdays and Thursdays for
two hours. As is the case with any pro-
duction, a great deal of hard work, dedi-
cation and preparation is needed, and
the staff and students involved are well
on their way to yet another successful
annual production.
"The Farm Show" will open to the
public beginning Wed., May 5, running
until Fri., May 7, with shows starting at
7:30 p.m. each evening. Tickets will go on
sale in the spring.
— Maegan Kipfer is a student at South
Huron District High School
Ian Gibb, Executive
Director for London
Bridge Child Care
Services, told the crowd a
lot of work went into
bringing the child care
centre to life.
The first stage was the
concept. Gibb said the
centre was built because
of the efforts of the South
Huron Child Care
Committee who first pre-
sented the idea to South
Huron council three years
ago and persevered
through every stage of the
process.
Gibb credited the munic-
ipal council for taking the
time to hear the argu-
ments, conceptualize the
project, struggle with how
it could be done and ulti-
mately see it through to
completion.
"They gave the time,
energy, cash and
resources for it to be
done," Gibb said. "It was a
treat to be involved with
this municipality."
Gibb said the building
was a partnership of com-
munity support, corporate
sponsorship and a great
design and build team
including architect
Carston Jenson, Burren
Construction and the land-
scaping work of Serenity
Land Design.
"When decisions are
made right, you end up
with a centre like this,"
Gibb said.
Gibb also said it was a
pleasure to work on a pro-
ject that ended up com-
pleted on time and on
budget.
"That can be a rare
thing," he said.
"What we
see now is
just the
start," he
said,
acknowledg-
ing the staff
of early
childhood
educators
who will
bring their
expertise
and creativi-
ty to make
the centre a wonderful
experience for the chil-
dren who will be learning
there.
Pete Armstrong said he
wanted to acknowledge all
the people who con-
tributed financially to the
project, especially Tony
and Francis Relouw for
whom the building is
named
He also wanted to recog-
nize the county support
and the subsidy program.
"All children are equal
here," he said. "Everyone
is welcome."
While Huron -Bruce MP
Paul Steckle said the cen-
tre comes too late to be of
any benefit to his own chil-
dren or grandchildren, he
said it is a marvelous idea
and a welcome addition to
the community.
"Here is our future," he
said, speaking of the role
the centre will play in edu-
cating the chil-
dren who will
take on leader-
ship roles when
they become
adults.
Huron -Bruce
MPP Carol
Mitchell said
she knows first-
hand how
important a
good childcare
facility can be
to families,
having used services and
babysitters to care for her
own children.
"This is a wonderful
facility," she said, passing
a giant red ball to a small
child intent on being part
of the action.
Huron County Warden
Bill Dowson also
expressed his support for
the centre.
"It's really the people
who make up the organi-
zation," London Bridge
president George Lyttle
said, expressing gratitude
to everyone who worked
on the project and made
the opening possible.
"They gave the time,
energy, cash and
resources for it to
be done. It was a
treat to be involved
with this
municipality."
IAN GIBB, EXECUTIVE
DIRECTOR FOR LONDON
BRIDGE CHILD CARE
SERVICES
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