Purple Grove W.I. holds May meeting and night out in Lucknow

Unrelenting rain did not dampen the spirits of the 14 members of the Purple Grove Women’s Institute who met at the Cobblestone Pub and Grill in Lucknow, Thursday, May 4, for their annual May Night Out.

A brief meeting was held while dinner was prepared. Agenda items involved review of the upcoming calendar of events including the 20th District Annual W.I. meeting in Walkerton May 25, Ripley Agricultural Society Spaghetti Supper May 28, and 110th anniversary celebration for the Bervie W.I. June 13 closely followed by the Kinloss-Kairshea W.I. 70th anniversary June 15. The group display requirements for the 2017 Ripley Fall Fair were reviewed and then grace was sung.

Conveners Maureen Collins and Marilyn Reid entertained the ladies with humorous stories and a nostalgic look back at the many uses of “Grandma’s” apron. It was very pleasant to spend time catching up and visiting, and particularly nice to have Diane Clifford out and about looking so well after her surgery. Thank you to the staff of Cobblestone for the generous use of the space and very friendly service.

Next, it was time to move on to the main event of the evening, Lucknow’s HAWK Theatre production of "Homecoming," at the town hall. The play featured a "tour de force" performance by Tony McQuail as Jerry Wilson, a Saskatchewan farmer struggling to relinquish control of the family farm and retire gracefully. Laughing uproariously throughout the presentation, the audience recognized many familiar themes of rural life. The story could easily have been set anywhere in Bruce County. Congratulations to the cast and crew of this excellent theatrical production!

The next meeting of the Purple Grove Women’s Institute is June 7, at 7:30 p.m., at the Purple Grove Community Centre. The topic is “Enabling Gardening,” presented by Leanne Farrell. All are welcome.



Members of the Purple Grove Women's Institute enjoy their May Night Out at the Cobblestone Pub and Grill in Lucknow, followed by the HAWK Theatre production of "Homecoming," Thursday; photo courtesy of Christine Roberts