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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Times Advocate, 2005-06-08, Page 20Crossroads 20 Wednesday, June 8, 2005 Exeter Times Advocate Local author has big ideas for Huron Park By Scott Nixon TIMES -ADVOCATE STAFF HURON PARK — Peter Fydenchuk of Crediton says much more can be done to promote Huron County. Fydenchuk, who has lived in the area most of his life, just published "Before The Battle: Life On A RCAF Station During World War II," a history of the Centralia Royal Canadian Air Force base during the war. In the book, Fydenchuk relates the stories of those who served at No. 9 Service Flying Training School in Centralia. He indicates in the book that those who completed training at Centralia would move on to the war, while the air base became home for non - aircrew personnel. Fydenchuk's book is full of the memories of former personnel as they recall their stay in Centralia during the war. Numerous photos accom- pany the stories and local readers will recognize many of the names and places discussed. Fydenchuk said he's been interested in the Centralia Air Force base since he was a child. Now called Huron Park, Fydenchuk says promot- ing the airport's history could see a major boost in tourism to the county. But while the province announced with much fanfare last August that the industrial portion of Huron Park was for sale, the plan has been delayed while the park remains under the province's ownership. Fydenchuk has approached various politicians throughout the county concerning his ideas to promote Huron. While he's been told money is short, he wants to see businesses and the community work together to help promote Huron County. And one of Fydenchuk's ideas — which would be a major boon for the area if it ever comes to fruition — concerns Huron Park. With the build-up of the Cold War after the end of the Second World War, the Centralia Air Force base became the first training school for NATO pilots. "We are the birthplace for NATO pilot training," Fydenchuk says, adding that other NATO training facilities were opened in Canada after Centralia's success. "Centralia was the first one . . . it developed here." As a result, ex -fighter and bomber pilots from the Second World War were stationed at Centralia. "We had the best of the best here," Fydenchuk says. Fydenchuk's idea is to promote this unique his- tory by having NATO forces stop at the Centralia airport on their way to an annual six- week international air combat exercise held in Cold Lake, Alberta. Dubbed "Exercise Maple Flag," the exercise will see more than 5,000 mil- itary personnel from 11 nations participate in this year's event in Alberta, which started May 15 and runs until June 24. According to the Canadian National Defence website, "The event provides training for Canadian and allied fighter aircrews as well as transport electronic warfare, air refueling, air defence, and airborne early warning and con- trol assets from many different nations." During the event, inter- national participants take part in a simulated, 10 -day air campaign. Fydenchuk wants to see some of these interna- tional planes make a stop in Huron Park where a big event celebrating the air base's history will take place. He concedes money will be an issue with putting on such a major event. Fydenchuk suggests get- ting communities like the Italians, Dutch and Belgians involved, who would love to see planes from their homelands. "We can draw them all here," Fydenchuk says, adding the event would be a boon to local busi- nesses and restaurants. He said one such event could raise money for South Huron Hospital or help build a museum paying tribute to the air base. "It's good for the area and that's what matters." Fydenchuk has approached Huron -Bruce MP Paul Steckle's office about the idea and it will be forwarded to Defence Minister Bill Graham for consideration. In addition to seeing the area's history with NATO celebrated, Fydenchuk said he'd like to see a tourist train run along the Goderich- Exeter Railway. This way, tourists visiting the Stratford Festival could take the train to visit places like the former Centralia Air Force base GRTRAt'A-HUF''N P 91( - ELEVATWlll, f P'2,asp 1. tta ao Crediton author Peter Fydenchuk recently published "Before The Battle: Life On A RCAF Station During World War II," in which he tells the story of the former Centralia Royal Canadian Air Force base. Fydenchuk would like to see the base's history celebrated in an event that would see NATO planes visit the airport. (photo/Scott Nixon) and Goderich. "These are things we should consider," Fydenchuk said, adding it could be something like the Port Stanley train. Fydenchuk also sug- gests holding a huge "Agri -Fest" in the county, something he calls "the Super Bowl of agricul- ture." He said he'd at least like to see projects such as these tried and said politicians and citizens need to work together. "Why can't we try this?" he asks, adding such events will promote Huron County and create excitement. "Before The Battle: Life On A RCAF Station During World War II" is available at the Times - Advocate. The Exeter Lioness Club installed its 2005-06 officers last week. Pictured in front from left are past president Elaine Pinder, president Ann Thompson, secretary Nancy Rader, treasurer Cathy Cade Frayne, tail twister Laurie Dykstra and Lioness tamer June Hodgins; in back from left are I st vice-president Louise Pincombe, 2nd vice-president Sally Lou Raymond, 3rd vice-president Nancy Rooth, I st year director Marie Nethercott, 2nd year director Elaine Corbett, 3rd year director Audrey Zachar, bulletin editor Lossy Fuller and Lion liaison offi- cer Paul Alcock. (photo/Scott Nixon) Missionary society visits Camp Kintail By Bessie Thompson ST. MARYS — `Let's Go Camping' was the theme of the Huron -Perth Presbyterial spring rally held at Camp Kintail which is north of Goderich. Vice -President Bernice Richards welcomed 69 women. Jan MacGinnis gave a prayer for one of our members undergoing an operation that day. Camp Kintail's executive director Rev. Gwen Brown and director Graham Gould welcomed all to the camp and spoke of the lay- out and activities. President Ina McMillan along with three other members gave the high- lights of the Synodical Society of Southwestern Ontario Women's Missionary Society which was held in Woodstock in April. Lois Horne, literature secretary, gave the book review and had several books and supplies for sale. Rev. Brown introduced her staff who entertained with a lively singsong. A turkey dinner was pre- pared and served by the camp cook and the staff. Listowel had the evening vespers and Knox, Stratford, the courtesy remarks. Richards closed the meeting with prayer. The fall rally will be held Sept. 29 at Cromarty.