​Purple Grove news

Everyone seems to be getting ready for the Christmas season and all the lights sure brighten up the countryside. Think we've had our Indian Summer this past week and we can get ready for some winter weather!

Sounds as if Kincardine’s Hometown Christmas was a great evening and well-attended. Thanks to all the participants and organizers.

Again, this past week, we've lost some treasured members of our communities. We extend our sympathy to the families of Bob Hammell of Belmore who was well known in the agricultural community and plowing match committee, Allan Nicholson of Wingham, Maurice Byers of Chesley, Don Fair of Arizona and Ann Hargrave of Kincardine, who have family connections in the area. We also remember the family of Ann Groenveld of Ripley and remembering her wonderful personality. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all as you share memories of these special people.

It's a busy week for birthdays in the community too! Happy Birthday this week to Joan Gillespie, Doug MacDonald and Kathy Martin!

A note of caution to drivers out there that the deer are on the move. Be careful, especially as it gets dark in the evening and early morning.

We live in an especially generous community and thank you to everyone who contributes to the Shoebox campaign, Pajamas for Kids through Bruce County Libraries, Coats for Kids, Food Bank Drives, Lions Christmas Hampers, Toy Drives, and many others. It all goes a long way toward helping our community.

Advance notice of the Purple Grove Women's Institute Dec. 3 meeting at Marilyn Reid's home at 1:30 p.m. Sandra Husk is our Christmas Craft Creator.

The Ripley and District Horticultural Society’s Christmas and Annual Meeting begins at 10:30 a.m., Dec. 5, at the Ripley-Huron Community Centre.

Also, the Purple Grove Christmas Potluck is Dec. 5 at the Grove, starting at 6 p.m. Bring your singing voices and items for the concert, and Santa is sure to make an appearance too!

RIPLEY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY

Some news from 4-H Ontario with the Grow It Forward program! We know financial barriers can make participation challenging for some families. That’s why 4-H Ontario is launching Grow It Forward, a new fee-assistance program designed to make 4-H more accessible.

This program provides eligible families with 50-per-cent off participant fees and 75-per-cent off for eligible Indigenous families. For details, visit 4-hontario.ca/grow-it-forward-4-h-ontario-fee.../ and to Register for 2026: https://4-hontario.ca/youth/become-a-member/. Let’s make 2026 a year where even more youth can learn, grow, and shine in 4-H.

Our ambassadors will be attending the Lucknow and Kincardine Santa Claus Parades this weekend.

The Ontario Association of Agricultural Societies (OAAS) District 10 meeting was last weekend and our secretary, Joyce Osborne, and senior ambassador, Emery Harper, participated at the fall meeting. Steve Hallam placed first in the Honey Competition, and Conner McDonald received third for his junior poster advertising our fall fair. Hallam’s honey will be going to the OAAS Convention in February. Congratulations to these exhibitors!

SHARE THE WARMTH – WINTER APPAREL DRIVE

Help support the Ripley-Huron Community School by donating new or gently-used winter apparel. Items, such as coats, hats, mittens, scarves, and boots, are greatly appreciated. Drop-off is Dec. 6, from 10 a.m. to Noon, at the Ripley Agricultural Society building. Together, let’s share the warmth and help keep our community cozy this winter!