Purple Grove news

Hope everyone is enjoying these beautiful fall days and crisp mornings and the gorgeous scenery that abounds around us. Harvest is in full swing, so give those farmers lots of room to complete their jobs and be patient when following or approaching farm equipment.

The Finnie family enjoyed hosting an Ontario reception, Saturday, for Stephanie McNeill and Joseph Finnie who were married in Abbotsford, British Columbia, Sept. 28. Friends and family from far and wide, including the McNeill family of Surrey, B.C., enjoyed a delicious traditional turkey dinner, made by Jody and Ewald Rothmaier. Dancing, yard games and lots and lots of visiting rounded out the afternoon. Congratulations to the happy couple.

Best wishes and congratulations to Harvey and Bren de Leeuw, Sandy and Sasha Bridge, Brian and Christine Bridge, and Becca and Thomas Farrell, who all celebrated their wedding anniversaries this month.

Harvey and Bren enjoyed travelling to attend the Gilmore Car Museum at Grand Rapids, Michigan, this weekend. A great place to visit and one to put on your list if you are a car enthusiast. We hear the fall colours are at their peak right now.

Marilyn Reid enjoyed spending time with her granddaughter, Brianna, and Nigel Verstege of Walkerton to celebrate Brodie’s second birthday, and meet her newest great-grandson, Colton, born Oct. 9.

Congratulations to the ladies of the St. Andrew’s United Church Women (UCW) who held their first Soup and a Bun Lunch, Tuesday. Many enjoyed attending and visiting, and the lunch was wonderful. Here's to many more, thank you.

To the members of the Purple Grove Women's Institute, take note: the Nov. 6 meeting at 7 p.m., has been changed to the home of Dianne Simpson instead of the Purple Grove Community Centre. This is one meeting you don't want to miss as Ripley’s own Dr. Jason Murray will be speaking on managing pain.

PURPLE GROVE WOMEN’S INSTITUTE

The Purple Grove W.I. met at the Purple Grove Community Centre, Oct. 9, and was honoured to have in attendance, Roseanne Judge, Grey-Bruce Area president and Barrie-Owen Sound retired area voting delegate, as well as members of the Bervie and Kinloss Kairshea branches.

After the opening, president Bren de Leeuw welcomed everyone and gave a reading, “Joy is a Bird.” She also introduced the guest speaker, James Turland of the Huron Fringe Field Naturalists. James informed the group of the status of some of the local birds and how they have adapted to various climate situations. They often predict weather patterns by the timing of migrating flights. It is really surprising how many different birds actually pass through this area during the year.

James enjoys the Christmas Bird Count and encourages others to participate. He belongs to several naturalists groups. Bird-watching is an interesting passion, and all you need is a pair of binoculars and a quest to go where the birds are. James answered several questions about birds when the members held Roll Call. Brenda thanked James for his interesting presentation.

After a social time, the ladies resumed the business portion of the meeting. Collection and donations for the Ripley Lions Christmas Hamper were received.

Cheryl Bridge reported on the Area Convention held at Chepstow. There is need for an Area Tweedsmuir Curator and two more board members for the Federated Women’s Institutes of Ontario (FWIO). The speaker was Bonnie Sitter, author of “The Farmerettes,” which was appreciated by many in helping understand the role of young women during the war years and the importance of food production within the farming community.

Roseanne Judge gave an update about the Area Quilt that will be on display at the Grey Roots Museum and Bruce County Museum and Cultural Centre, on alternating six months.

Appreciation was given for the support of the muffin/cookie/coffee/tea booth at the Ripley-Huron Fall Fair. The Purple Grove W.I. is presenting a wreath at the Remembrance Day service in Ripley. The Bruce County W.I. Rally is Oct. 24, with seven members of the Purple Grove branch attending. Heather Finnie will be the speaker, and the theme is community involvement.

The next meeting will be Nov. 6, at 7 p.m., at the home of Dianne Simpson, with guest speaker Dr. Jason Murray.