​Purple Grove news

Did you know that last Thursday, Nov. 13, was World Kindness Day? I hope everyone is able to be kind every day - it sure makes our community a brighter and better place!

Last week, Grades 7-8 students from Ripley-Huron Community School were able to attend the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, thanks to the Ripley Agricultural Society and its fund-raising activities. Our senior and junior ambassadors, Emery Harper and Kelsey Thompson, were able to go with them and everyone had a fantastic time seeing the many livestock shows and exhibits! Thank you for this opportunity to see one of the greatest fairs in the country!

Congratulations to Adam Hodgins on receiving the Andrea Crowe Memorial Award for his work in demonstrating enthusiasm, dedication and active involvement in the dairy industry! Adam was presented this award at the Royal Winter Fair last week when the dairy classes were being shown. More than 450 Holstein animals were exhibited at the fair over two days, not to forget the red-and-white Holstein, Jersey and Ayrshire shows as well. The beef shows were fantastic as well, and congratulations to all the exhibitors for your commitment and participation!

Many people attended the Ringing of the Bell Ceremony at Knox Presbyterian Church, Kincardine, Tuesday night, Nov. 11. Thank you so much to the musicians and everyone who participated! It was a beautiful service.

We've missed a few birthdays again and want to extend our best wishes to Gerard Gillespie and John Gillespie from last month and week, and this week, to Greg Smith, Bonnie McDonnell-Maschke, Mary Farrell and Barb Webster.

The family of John and Joyce Farrell celebrated November birthdays, Sunday.

Happy belated wedding anniversary to Stosh and Elizabeth Cubberley! And Happy Anniversary to Alice and Allan Gamble!

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Hanover and Walkerton communities as they mourn the loss of three young people in a tragic accident last week. We also extend our prayers to the other young man who has a long road to recovery after this accident.

Our condolences to the families of Doreen Soloduka of Kincardine, Sharon Cuillerier and Laura Lee Cayley of Lucknow and many others who are grieving at this time.

Last week, the Christmas Parades and Bazaars began, and we hope you'll be able to catch some of them.

Big Brothers and Big Sisters of South Bruce North Huron hosted a huge yard sale of Christmas decorations, Sunday morning, and if you didn't find anything there, you're sure to find some lovely things at the many artisans and craft shows. A good place to get some Christmas shopping done!

Looking forward to seeing folks at the many parades in the area, too, and concerts featuring more local talent!

The Purple Grove Community Centre annual meeting was held Tuesday evening. Plans were made for the Christmas party, Dec. 5, with more details to follow.

RIPLEY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY

Help support the Ripley-Huron Community School by donating new or gently-used winter apparel. Such items as coats, hats, mittens, scarves, and boots are greatly appreciated. You can bring your items to the Ripley Agricultural Society building, Dec. 6, from 10 a.m. to Noon. Together, let's share the warmth and help keep our community cozy this winter.

Kelsey Thompson and Emery Harper attended the Remembrance Day Ceremony at the Ripley Cenotaph, Nov. 11. Emery had the privilege of reciting “In Flanders Fields” and Kelsey read her own poem.