Purple Grove news

Mary Anne Kukoly hosted a lunch for Shirley Gilders of Clinton. Maureen and Roy Collins were there too, and there were many memories shared of Shirley's brother, the late Bill Colwell of Red Deer, formerly of Dawson Creek, British Columbia. Shirley also received many greetings of sympathy from friends and relatives in the area.

Again, folks from our area enjoyed the concert at the Kingsbridge Centre. The Pleats are so talented. The ladies' three-part harmony was lovely.

Sheena, William and Alayna Houghton of Michigan spent the weekend with Doug and Shirley MacDonald.

Many attended the wonderful Harvest Supper sponsored by our very own Bruce Botanical Food Gardens in Ripley, Thursday, at the Ripley-Huron Complex.

Hope everyone is geared up to attend the International Plowing Match (IPM) in Walton this week. It is amazing to drive around and view the lawn displays, and let's not forget the beautiful quilts displayed on the barns and sheds. It is wonderful to see so many go to all the hard work involved for us to enjoy on our outings.

Friday, John and Joyce Farrell and Mary Anne Kukoly travelled to York, near Caledon, to attend the funeral of Jim Lise, father of Pete and Tanya (Farrell) Lise.

John and Joyce Farrell, Lennard and Marsha Farrell, attended the 50th Wedding Anniversary celebration for Dave and Cathy Quinn, held at the Kincardine Legion on Saturday.

Lea French of Lakefield spent Wednesday night at the home of John and Joyce Farrell. They attended the funeral of Eleanor Johnston, wife of Robert (Bob) Johnson, Thursday.

Our sincere sympathy to the Piel family on the loss of their sister, Judie Burns, of Goderich. Judie was a friend to all and enjoyed helping people. 

The Bervie United Church 136^th Anniversary Service was Sunday, with Rev. Jenny Stephens as guest speaker and the Glenn Boyd Band providing special music. Many stayed for lunch after for a time of visiting and reminiscing. 

Congratulations to the Lucknow Agricultural Society on a terrific fair on the weekend with beautiful weather and a great parade.

Our thoughts and prayers are with our friends and family connections in the west, especially the Pincher Creek community, due to forest fires. Everyone is on alert and ready for evacuation depending on the wind. The smoke is so bad that they can’t determine where the fire is going so they have town hall meetings by phone for people to call in and get information.  Cardston ranches were hit hard even on the prairie. The ranchers just cut the fences and let the cattle go and cultivators and discs are ready for making barriers. Thirty per cent of Waterton Park is burned and has fire damage. They were well prepared because of their emergency plans and the fires already in British Columbia, so Waterton already had sprinklers brought in for  houses with wood roofs. Fire retardant actually works and they put it were they could, especially at the bases of the mountains. Everyone is thankful there has been no loss of life and the community is checking on neighbours and family regularly. Ripley and Pincher Creek 4-H members had an interprovincial exchange in July and August of 2006.