Purple Grove news

Thursday evening, saw a small but enthusiastic group meet at the Purple Grove Community Centre to review the year and to make plans for the new year. Chairman Paul Murray led the meeting. Highlighted, was the completion of our new roof and stair railings that were installed by Grant Murray and company. Special thanks to the community well-being grant that we received from the Township of Huron-Kinloss. Mark your calendars for Dec. 20 for the Community Potluck and Christmas Concert at 6 p.m.

A family gathering at the home of John and Joyce Farrell, Sunday afternoon, helped to celebrate the birthday of Anna Leis, daughter of Tania and Peter Leis.

We also wish Gerard Gillespie happy birthday last week, and to his grandmother, Joan Gillespie, celebrating her 85th birthday!

Doug MacDonald and Kathy Martin also have their birthdays this week!

Clara and Lane Farrell of Holstein spent an overnight visiting with their grandparents and cousins, Paisley and Nora Farrell, Saturday and Sunday last weekend. The Farrell family is looking forward to the non-motorized Christmas Parade in Holstein, Dec. 14.

Our community was saddened, again, hearing of the death of Diane Brooks of Port Elgin and formerly of Ripley. Diane was an integral community member, serving as homecraft president of the Ripley Agricultural Society in 1989-90 and several other committees as well. We will miss her big smile and genuine interest in everyone. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family at this time.

The St. Andrew's United Church ladies and friends enjoyed a couple of days tying quilts these past couple weeks. Thank you, especially, to the friends who came along to help us!

The Purple Grove Women's Institute will meet at the home of Marilyn Reid, Dec. 4, at 1:30 p.m. Roll Call is a craft you are planning or completing. Convener is Diane Clifford, and Christine Roberts will be instructing us on making an eco-friendly Christmas craft. Come and join us for some fun!

The Ripley Reunion Cookbook is available on-line through the website at a cost of $25 per copy. Order yours before Christmas at ripleyreunion.ca/cookbook.

Thought for the week: "Happiness doesn't come from what we get, but from what we give." Thank you to all who give of their time, talent and treasure to help make our community thrive and survive!