​Purple Grove news

Our students were finally back to school this week after an extended Christmas break and everyone returned to a somewhat normal routine. January weather is unpredictable, to say the least.

Lots of birthdays - it's a popular month! So, Happy Birthday to Margie Lochhead, Douglas Anderson, Brad Murray, Ria Middelkamp, Heather Newman, Ron de Grans, Cole Lamont, Murray Lamont, Clayton Farrell, Jim Farrell, Lois Sinclair, Marianne Irwin, and Bo Armstrong who is already two years old!

It's the time of year for annual meetings, and the Ripley Agricultural Society invites its members and interested people to attend their event at the Ripley-Huron Legion, Jan. 19, at 7 p.m. Get to know the board and support the members as they review the past year and plan for this year's fair. Better still, join a committee and get to know some great people, develop your leadership skills, and make new friends.

The end of last week and into this week, the Grey-Bruce Farmers celebrated their 60th anniversary year. If you didn't get there in person, you can sign up for the live-stream and view the recordings too. Just go to the Grey Bruce Farmers Week website and check it out! Thank you so much from the agricultural community for having these educational sessions for the commodity groups, featuring timely topics and first-class speakers from all around the country.

The Purple Grove community is sorry to hear of the recent passing of Robert “Bob” Leslie Armstrong, following complications from a brief illness. We extend our sympathy to his wife, Judy, and his family, Rob and Seanna. Bob was also a cherished father-in-law to Caden Nickel and Alissa Jensen. He lived in Barriere, British Columbia, and spent his life surrounded by family throughout British Columbia and Ontario. Bob will be remembered for his love of family, his steady presence, and the many connections he shared with those who knew him. Many of us will remember knowing Bob when he worked at Thompson Feeds in Ripley. And several of us remember his brief stage debut in the infamous play from Purple Grove, "Aunt Tilly goes to Town!"

Wednesday, Jan. 14, at 12:15 p.m., the Purple Grove Women's Institute will meet at the home of Fran Farrell for a potluck lunch. Members are also to bring a program item and we'll have our auction of treasures that need new homes or owners.

Have a great week, everyone!