Posts by Rob Perry

Honouring War of 1812 veterans

A ceremony was held at Sparta South Cemetery in Central Elgin on Saturday, Sept. 23, to salute two veterans of the War of 1812, John C. Ryckman and James Pickard. They were both privates in that war. A stone was added to Private Ryckman’s grade to salute his service to Canada, but unfortunately the grave…

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Getting back to school–with pizza!

Volunteers at McGregor Public School in Aylmer handed out slices of free pizza during a teacher open house and Terry Fox Family Walk that traditionally opens the new school year there, Wednesday night, Sept. 13. Similar events were being held this week at public, Catholic and private schools across the area.

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Time to play hockey

Host BAD (Belmont-Aylmer-Dorchester) Girls Bantam A hockey team goalie Megan DeHaan frustrated a determined Chatham attacker in an early-season game at East Elgin Community Complex on Saturday, Sept. 9. The local girls fought hard but ended up losing 5-2.

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TVDSB sounds death knell for Springfield, Sparta, New Sarum schools

Thames Valley District School Board trustees put paid to any idea they might change their minds about closing Springfield, Sparta and New Sarum public schools at a special meeting on Tuesday night, Aug. 29 in London. They voted unanimously to approve a priority list for capital projects proposed for Ontario Ministry of Education funding that…

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Spitting for distance at Watermelon Fest

Bayham Mayor Paul Ens sent a seed flying through the air as he and other local dignitaries helped open the 10th annual Watermelon Fest in Straffordville on Saturday morning, Aug. 26. Bayham Wayne Casier was the winner of the seed spitting contest with a 26-foot effort. Events continue through the afternoon and evening.

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Final day of lessons at Aylmer Pool

Landon Underhill, left, Naomi Fehr and Promise Doxtator used paddleboards to help them make a crossing of the Aylmer Pool during their final day of swimming lessons for the summer on Friday morning, Aug. 25. The pool will close after a final public swim on Tuesday, Aug. 29.

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TVDSB chairman dismisses school closings appeals

Thames Valley District School Board Chairman Matt Reid appears to have taken it onto himself to dismiss appeals from Elgin County and Central Elgin for reconsideration of the ordered closings of New Sarum, Sparta and Springfield public schools. The agenda for Central Elgin council’s meeting on Monday afternoon, Aug. 28, includes a reply from Trustee…

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Fireworks, not gunshots

A Rutherford Avenue resident reported to the Express she heard gunshots in the area of Davenport Public School and East Elgin Secondary School Wednesday night, Aug. 16, at 11 p.m. Aylmer Police investigated and, while they didn’t catch anyone in the act, believed the cause had actually been fireworks being set off in the area…

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Horsepower on display at Duff’s

Duff’s Garage in Aylmer is holding its 10th annual Car Show and Open House tonight, Wednesday, Aug. 16. Attractions include a variety of vintage and muscle cars, a pig roast and live music from Uncertain Children and Nite Train. Proceeds from the event will be given to the Aylmer Shrine Club and the Salvation Army…

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All smiles at “SonCastle Faire”

Nathaniel Luscombe, left, as Cornelius the Jester and Dave Rachar as Stewart the Steward grinned their way through a scene of “SonCastle Faire,” the play that was also the theme for a Vacation Bible School at Springfield Baptist Church Monday, Aug. 7, through Friday, Aug. 11. The summer school involved 150 children from 4 through…

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