Purple Grove news

Lucky for us that it was a cloudy day for the Wiarton Willie Festival and that he's predicting an early spring?! We also are glad folks were able to celebrate Robbie Burns’ birthday Jan. 25! Great traditions for people to get together and have some fun.

We're sure that many parents were happy to have our students back to classes again. It's great to see friends!

We're looking forward to the Ripley Winter Carnival and Winter Carnival Costume Skate, Feb. 14, from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Wear a costume on the ice and you may win a prize! This event is hosted by the Ripley Agricultural Society and the Ripley Lions Club. Ice Painting is Feb. 15, from 1-2 p.m. Show your creativity and use your imagination! Everyone is welcome to join us! This event is also hosted by the Ripley Agricultural Society.

Tiverton Winterfest is coming up next weekend and there will be lots of fun events there too!

The Blyth Theatre hosted “Off the Rock,” a tribute band to Great Big Sea, Saturday, Feb. 1. It was a rousing concert of East Coast music! How wonderful to hear those favourites that everyone can sing along, such as "What do we do with the Drunken Sailor?" and "I's the bye that builds the boat.”

Congratulations to Janice and George Miller on their 45th wedding anniversary, Feb. 2.

Belated Birthday greetings to Spencer Harris, Serena Harris, Grady Liddle, and extra special birthday greetings to Evelyn Elliot who is celebrating her 101st birthday today (Feb. 8)!

We also welcome Ardan Jonathan Neil Hunter, born Jan. 30, to Meighan (Clifford) and Ross Hunter, a baby brother for Everleigh, Aderyn, Ewan and Isobel. Grandparents Diane and Arnie Clifford are looking forward to meeting him in person soon!

We extend our sympathy to many of our families who are grieving and this week, especially, the families of Henry Clark of Lucknow and Allan Miller, formerly of Holyrood. Both men were active community leaders and will be sorely missed by everyone who knew them. Memories of auction sales and those famous giant ice cream cones at Holyrood General Store, lots of talent and tales to be shared.

Thank you to the volunteers and those who attended the Blood Donor Clinic in Lucknow, Friday.

PURPLE GROVE WOMEN’S INSTITUTE

Members of the Purple Grove W.I. met at the Ripley-Huron Fire Hall, Wednesdsay, where they were greeted by fire chief Jeff Bradley and emergency services co-ordinator Melanie Moulton.

After calling the meeting to order, acting president and convener Cheryl Bridge introduced the fire chief and we toured the hall and admired the new pumper truck, tanker truck and command/rescue truck in the hall. Bradley explained how the trucks are equipped to work at emergencies throughout our township and beyond.

We asked questions and realized how much training our volunteer firefighters need to be certified. They also train with Bruce Power and Brockton Fire Services and whenever more help is needed, neighbouring departments are on call for each other, through a mutual aid agreement.

Bradley gave a presentation about fire prevention and reviewed information on fires, smoke alarms and the home hazards that can often be the cause of an unplanned fire. Practising an escape plan, checking the smoke alarms, cleaning the chimney and keeping our driveways and pathways clear of snow, can aid in getting a fire emergency under control quickly.

We were very thankful to have this presentation and opportunity to visit the fire hall and learn how our fire department is prepared to help us in case of a fire and any emergency. Thank you very much to the fire chief for having us visit! Cheryl Bridge extended a thank-you card and donation from the membership.
 

---

Enjoying some treats at the Purple Grove W.I. meeting, are Diane Clifford (left), Dianne Simpson, Bonnie Boyle, and Nora Farrell (in front)

---

In business, we reviewed last month's minutes and were updated on the financial report. Eleven members and guest Nora Farrell answered the Roll Call: Are you prepared for a fire?

Fran Farrell reminded the members that the Bruce County W.I. open scholarship and the workplace and apprenticeship scholarship due dates are March 31. Students graduating and/or planning to start apprenticeship training are invited to submit an application. Also, the Woman of Excellence Fair Award nominations are due June 1.

The District Directors’ meeting is March 6 in Chesley. Brenda de Leeuw, Cheryl Bridge and Fran Farrell plan to attend. We are one of the hosts for the District Annual, May 22.

We sang grace and social time followed with cupcake treats.

The March 5 meeting will be in the social room at the Ripley-Huron Community Centre at 1:30 p.m., and the topic is stress.



Taking a tour of the Ripley-Huron Fire Hall, are Purple Grove W.I. members, in the back, Dianne Simpson (left), Betty Johnson, Cheryl Bridge, Fran Farrell, Diane Clifford, Bonnie Boyle, with fire chief Jeff Bradley; and in front, Mary Anne Kukoly (left), Janet Nixon, Nora Farrell, Deanna Scott, Marilyn Reid, and Bren de Leeuw