The Citizen, 1995-05-31, Page 32Page 8
---- Stops Meng `The Way
Renovations welcome visitors to Wingham motel
Welcome
Tina Clerks and Marie Belanger are the managers of the newly renovated
Wingham Lindon Motel at the south edge of the town on Hwy. 4. This is a
last look at the lobby before it undergoes a facelift, which began in late May.
By Bonnie Gropp
Only good things can happen to a town
when visitors stay for a while, so this past
year, the people of Wingham could only be
delighted to see the revitalization of a
somewhat neglected motel at the south edge
of town.
Last December, Don and Donna Watson
of Gorrie and John and Linda Cox of Clinton
became the new owners of what is now the
Wingham Lindon Motel, which is located
just south of the junction of Hwys 4 and 86.
Though the motel could not have been
exactly described as a thriving business over
the years the two couples felt the potential
for its success was there. The town's-musical
concert season Primetime Country was
continuing to grow with each year and Blyth
Festival, to the south, draws thousands of
theatre goers annually from all parts of the
province. Also, the motel is located just a
short distance from several popular dining
establishments and is near some quality
shopping.
Taking all this into consideration, Cox
and Watson, after seeing the 'For Sale' sign,
decided to give the idea a chance. "The next
thing I knew I was in the renovating
business," says Donna.
To start with, each of the 18 rooms was
taken back to the rafters and 2x4s. "They
were completely gutted. Everything you see
in these rooms is brand new, from
furnishings and drapery to floors and
ceilings," Donna says. New heating and air-
conditioning systems have been installed,
also.
First impressions are what always count,
so the new owners did exterior work to the
building as well, including new windows
and eavestroughs.
Though there is no on-site dining facility,
guests receive complimentary coffee. Also,
in addition to the usual amenities, such as
service directories, ice machine and pop
machines, the motel has a fax machine. "We
thought it would be a benefit to
businesspeople who were travelling
through," Donna explains.
As the owners have other business
interests, Watson owns a large hardware
store and Cox, an entrepreneur, has been
involved in several ventures, including
ownership of a computer store in Wingham,
then as co-owner of a transport business, a
manager has been hired. He resides with his
small family on the premises so that the
needs of the guests are looked after on a 24-
Country comes to town
Continued from page 7
Barn Dance was revitalized. Again it filled
the arena and a group of interested
individuals 'got together to present the idea
of its rebirth to council. A recommendation
was made and a committee formed.
Approval was granted for the use of town
hall and the group moved ahead.
"It took two-and-a-half years of planning,
because we realized we were re-inventing
the wheel," said Currie. Confidence was
strong, however, as it was quickly
established that nowhere else was there such
a venue for country performers in the
community.
With the groundwork underway, the non-
profit group made as many improvements as
they could afford to the town hall, to
accommodate musical performers.
Then the main criteria for selecting talent
was developed, or actually redeveloped -
taking untried artists and giving them a
chance to be recognized for their artistic
talent.
The format for the pilot years of
Primetime Country consisted of nine
performances that began June 9 and
concluded on Sept. 22. Novice country
talents were paired with big-name
headliners, including well-known country
personality Ronnie Prophet, who said in an
interview following his show that he was
pleased to have been part of it. He saw the
concert as a "mini Grand 01' Oprey", adding
that it had all the right ingredients to work.
"I had an excellent backup band and the
audience was really responsive."
Canadian country music entertainer Gary
Buck produced the season's performances.
This year, the fun began on May 27 with
one of its tribtue shows. Subsequent
performances run on June 24 and 25, Sept.
23 and 24, Oct. 28 and 29, Nov. 25 and 26
and Dec. 9 and 10.
Those involved in the project arc proud
that they can work into the venue of theatre
already established in Huron County with
the Blyth Festival and the Huron Country
Playhouse. "Right from square one we have
found it an exceedingly exciting concept to
be doing something of this calibre," said
Currie.
hour basis.
Room rates are reasonable at $49.95 for
queen and $59.95 for a double. The weekly
rate for a queen is $42 per day, because as
Donna says, we "try to give a bit of a break
to anyone staying for a long time."
Though things are just barely getting
started for the new owners of the Wingham
Lindon Motel, business has been quite good,
she says, crediting the local merchants with
sending at least some of the business their
way. "The community has been really good.
They're letting people know that things have
changed out here. When their salespeople
come in they've been telling them to come
see us and have a look."
"After all, it doesn't hurt a town, having
people stay in the area." ,
Well done
The refurbished, revitalized,
refurnished rooms at the Wingham
Lindon Motel are tastefully appointed
— a perfect welcome for weary
travellers.
11, isio ow mor MP 411.
SOCIETY
OP Mk 4111, 411, lab
SEAFORTH
AGRICULTURAL
150th
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Anniversary
Celebrates
PiIdt FALL FAIR - October be 56 & i 1995 9 I
4. Parade - Friday morning •
4 Livestock Shows
4 Heavy & Light Horse Shows
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4 Beef & Pork Carcass Competition -
4 Canada's Magic Midway
4 Home Craft Displays
4 Field Crop Displays ---',- ,
, __- 4 Pedal Pulls for Kids ______---:- _- ,
4 Breeder's Parish Jersey Show
4 Stan Jackson Memorial Registered Hereford
4 Baby Show
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MIDWESTERN
DOLL , CRAFT &
ONTARIO FARM TOY,
SPORT CARD SHOW
Saturday,
Sunday, December
Ontario's
4 Farm Toys
Call (519)
Call
(519) 527-1321
for doll information
(519) 522-1300
for toy information
/
(519) 527-1583
for craft information
Serving the
4 Sports Cards
December 2 12 - 5 p.m. &
3 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Largest Show & Sale
4 Dolls 41,r7 4 Crafts
527-1321 for more information
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