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HomeMy WebLinkAboutClinton News Record, 2016-12-14, Page 27Londesborough News Brenda Radford Special to the News Record Rev. Terry Fletcher lit the third candle of Advent at Londesborough United Church on Sunday, Dec. 11 - the candle of joy. As Londesborough United will not be holding a service on Christmas Day, next Sun- day, the 19th, will be the Christmas Sunday service. The Christmas Eve service will begin at 7:00 p.m. HAPPY GANG SENIORS In July of 1981, a group of like-minded persons gath- ered to discuss the formation of a Seniors Club in Londes- borough. There was a great deal of interest and the first meeting was called for August. The Hullett Town- ship Recreation Committee was agreeable to the group using the Community Hall for their meetings. Initially the group met on the first and third Tuesdays of each month in the after- noon. The business part of the gathering was followed by a short program, and then the folks played cards and enjoyed lunch before head- ing home. Executive members that first year were President Jean Scott and Secretary Isabel Scanlon. Fifty-two persons paid sign up dues. It was decided to collect $.50 each meeting to cover the cost of card prizes, greeting cards for members and miscella- neous expenses. Each meeting different persons assumed charge of arranging a program and supplying lunch. Average attendance at each meeting was about 22. A contest was held among the members to determine a name for the group. It was Beth Knox who submitted the title, Happy Gang Seniors. In 1983, the seniors changed to one meeting on the last Wednesday of the month. Eventually meetings began with a noon potluck meal which included a birth- day cake. Every November the Happy Gang Seniors held a Christmas party to which many non-members of the community were invited. This meal was catered by the Women's Institute in the early years and later by the Londesbor- ough UCW. Some hall users will remember the shuffle board courts the Happy Gang group had painted on the hall floor for their entertain- ment. Speakers throughout the years brought informa- tion to the members about issues peculiar to senior per- sons - health, safety, scams, conservation, etc. Other times the members were entertained by musical groups. In an effort to keep the seniors in touch with younger generations, school children often entertained with songs, dancing and speeches. The Happy Gang Seniors entertained and were W our tanks Clinton Chiropraafic and Wel Ines s Centre Wishing pli of QUI' Patient Ore ogerits wery Merry Christmas and 0 Happy New Veorr Chiropractors Foot Specialist -Chiropodist Dr. Kevin Dunlop Dennis Walsh Dr. Carolyn Wood Mental Health Therapist Massage Therapy Cory Leduc Amber Leigh Durand Naturopath Erin Marshall Jayne Marquis Our Wonderful Staff Darlene, Shirley, Els, Nancy and Tara 160 Huron Street, Clinton 482-3481 www. c l i ntonc h i ropracti c. ca www.drcarolynwood.com entertained by senior groups from Blyth and Clinton throughout the years. Some of the group took part in the annual Seniors' Games organized by the Senior Citizens of Ontario. Other members will recall bus trips, organized very often by Reta Kelland, to Royal Winter Fair, Toronto, the CBC Studios in Toronto for the show, Front Page Challenge, riverboat cruises, Christmas lights, etc. The Senior Citizens of Ontario offer small groups like the Happy Gang Sen- iors information pertinent to their age group. The Senior Citizens of Ontario lobby the government for changes that affect/benefit the province's most elderly persons. When the Lions Club took over the operation of the hall, the seniors paid to use the building for their meet- ings. For a number of years, the group held card parties for folk in the area on the first Friday evening of each month to raise funds. For IREAL ESTATE LTDL many years the Happy Gang Seniors gave two awards to graduating students from Hullett Central Public School. Donations were made by the seniors to other worthwhile causes each fall also. Fast forward 35 years and in the fall of 2016 the small number of remaining mem- bers decided to disband. Their last gathering was their annual Christmas meal. At that meeting they emptied their bank account through donations to area hospitals, the Londesborough United Church and the Huron County Christmas Bureau. Longtime members found it a bittersweet day. Records for the 35 years are stored now upstairs in the Commu- nity Hall. No one has a definitive answer as to why member- ship fell off for the seniors' group other than changes in society see seniors more active in many other areas in today's world. 33 Main St., Seaforth 519.600.1577 Direct 519.272.5413 THE SIGN THAT SAYS SOLD Wednesday, December 14, 2016 • News Record 27 Varna News Joan Beierling Special to the News Record IP On Tuesday, Dec. 6, 52 U.C.W. of the Brucefield Community Church Iere served a lovely meal atered by the Bayfield erry Farm. This fol- owedlwith a Christmas Program by Willi Laurie, Barb McIntosh, Joan Beier - ling and Helen Keys. "Wrap Christmas in Prayer" was the theme. A short meeting followed. The next meeting 1'll be in Feb. 2017. Euchre players met at e Odd Fellows Hall in rucefield at 5:30 to have dinner catered by Dorothy McGregor and her helpers. nce again it was a lovely dinner and a special thanks goes to Dorothy for prepar- g it all. Cards were enjoyed after the meal. High man was lip ob Fotheringham, low man Gerald Rathwell, high lady was June Thomas and low lady was Florence Symons. The most lone hands went to Mona Alderdice and draws were won by Bob Fotheringham, Stu Wilson and Glenn Hodgins. There were 8 tables in play. Next card party will be Dec. 22 at 7:30pm. Everyone is welcome! Mike Colclough and his son Tyler lit the third Advent Candle (candle of love) on Sunday in Brucefield Com- munity United Church. The choir anthem was "Christ- mas is Coming". Dougald McIntosh played the guitar during the offering. Greeters were Ruby Lefaive and Doug McAsh, and the reader was Ruby Lefaive. A thank you was read from Camp Menesetung thanking for the tables. Flowers were placed in the sanctuary in loving memory of Marion Coleman. The Christmas Eve Service is at 7:30 at Brucefield Commu- nity United Church and the Christmas Day service is at 10:30. COMING SOON AFFORDABLE HOME AMY McCLURE Sales Rep. 519-525-3988 MAUREEN WILDFONG Sales Rep. 519-525-9954 GREAT STARTER HOME GREAT FAMILY HOME 3 BEDROOMS, 2 BATHS COUNTRY LIVING GORGEOUS HOME 27 RAILWAY ST., SEAFORTH 301 MAIN ST., LONDESBOROUGH 66 CARNOCHAN ST., EGMONDVILLE MLS# 310138 $95,000 MLS# 978961 $129,900 MLS# 573510 $469,900 IMMEDIATE POSSESSION MINUTES FROM TOWN SPACIOUS LOT vr- AA Y4�a4 42875 WINTHROP ROAD 23 ANN STREET, SEAFORTH 76558 MORRISON LINE 77774 LONDON ROAD MLS# 518731 $329,900 MLS# 453723 $159,900 MLS# 182900 $259,900 MLS# 238539 $229,900 www.sellingseaforth.com