MORNING SHOW PERSONALITIES TOURING VILLAGE TOMORROW

Taz and Jim (Photo courtesy FM 96 London website)

Back in 2020 Bayfield won the “FM96 Best Small Town Competition” in the FM96 listening area out of 32 towns participating. The prize for winning this voting competition was a visit from morning show hosts Taz and Jim who would broadcast live from the village. Due to the pandemic the visit was delayed until now. Yes, Taz and Jim will be visiting on June 22-23 with their broadcast happening in Bayfield in the early morning hours of the second day!

According to Bayfield Ward Councilor for the Municipality of Bluewater, Bill Whetstone, Taz and Jim will be joined by some local residents as they host their morning show live from downtown Bayfield on June 23 from 5:30-9:30 a.m. Look for them to be set up in Admiral Bayfield Square between the Bayfield Historical Society Archives and Welcome Centre and the Bayfield Branch Library.

“They will be arriving on June 22 and the Bayfield and Area Chamber of Commerce, along with myself, will be touring them around our area to show them the hot spots and what makes Bayfield so special and to meet and greet with local folks,” Whetstone said.

Taz and Jim will be the literal toast of the town with a tour that includes many of the local wine and beer making establishments. Community members are invited to come along on the tour as well. Their afternoon tour has been scheduled to the minute with a drive past Pioneer Park, Bayfield Beach and Marina at 2 p.m. The tour will then take them further into Bluewater as well as  Central Huron with stops at River Road Brewing and Hops, 2;15 p.m.; Stonehouse Brewery, 3 p.m.; Hessenland Inn and Schatz Winery, 3:45 p.m.; Bad Apple Brewing, 4:15 p.m.; and Cornerfield Winery, 4:40 p.m. They will return to the village at 4:45 p.m. for a glimpse of the Bayfield Mural, Clan Gregor Square and the Bayfield Town Hall before a 5 p.m.  stop at Bayfield Brewing Company.

The duo will be fêted with dinner at the Black Dog Pub and Bistro at 5:30 p.m. with overnight accommodations being provided by The Little Inn of Bayfield.

The formal meet and greet for the public will take place at The Albion Hotel starting at 7 p.m. on June 22 and all are welcome!

“We are hoping the community will come out to the meet and greet along with the morning live broadcast and take the opportunity to tell them what makes Bayfield so great,” concluded Whetstone.

BAYFIELD PLAYERS WIN FLIGHTS DURING CROQUET CHAMPIONSHIP

Those who took part in the 2023 Croquet Canada National Championship were back row l-r: Adriaan Schreuder, Don Oakley, Lou Schenck, Chris Percival-Smith, Doug Grimsley, Jerry Selk, David Druiett, Peter Jeffers, Bill Rowat, Rich Lamm, Bill Sullivan, Stuart Lawrence, Pierre Dunn, Mike Sully, Chris Loat, and Nick Howell. Front row l-r: David MacLaren, Jim Wright, Michael Albert, John Davies, Donna Dixon, Arlene Parker, Jane Beharriell, Chris Smith, Phil Parsons, Patrick Little and Brian Cumming. (Submitted photo)

The Association Croquet National Championship was held between June 7-11 in Bayfield and Seaforth.

Twenty six players competed in three flights over four days. This popular tournament attracted players from British Columbia, Ontario, California, Massachusetts, Florida, Virginia and Michigan. Three courts were in play at the Bayfield International Croquet Club while the Seaforth Lawn Bowling Club hosted two courts.

The weather was sunny and cool but rain-free until Sunday when light rain occurred for a short time. Air quality was somewhat affected by forest fires in Quebec for the first two days.

Top level play in the Championship Flight drew enthusiastic spectators. Five players finished 14 of their games with triple peels. Brian Cumming from the Aboyne Club in Elora, ON won the title.

The A-flight was won by John Davies from the Bayfield International Croquet Club (BICC).  The B-flight was won by Peter Jeffers, also from the Bayfield Club.

Players had the opportunity to socialize at the opening reception on Wednesday and at a member’s home on Friday. Saturday featured a tournament closing dinner at a member’s heritage home on Main Street.

BICC loves hosting this prestigious event! The opportunity for their members to play in the premier Canadian croquet tournament with and against some of the best players in North America is spectacular.

TIME TO PREPARE ENTRIES FOR BAYFIELD COMMUNITY FAIR IS NOW

The warm weather has finally arrived, which means that summer is just around the corner. And that means it will be no time at all until the annual Bayfield Community Fair – always on the third weekend of August. The Bayfield Agricultural Society (BAS) would like to remind everyone that the Fair will be held at the Bayfield Arena and Agricultural Park on Aug. 18-20. This year’s theme is “A Tractor Life for Me in 2023”.

Now is a perfect time to start getting entries ready for the Bayfield Fair. The opportunities for all ages to enter art and photography, baking and canning, flowers and plants, fruits and vegetables, as well as handcrafted quilting, sewing, knitting, crocheting, and woodworking are at the heart of the indoor Homecraft show. All entries are welcome and add to the wealth of exhibits that fairgoers have come to appreciate each year.

A new vegetable category has been added this year for Best Quad of Baking Potatoes (four shown on a plate) with a first prize of $50. This new category is expected to generate some serious interest. In 2022, two new “sweet” categories were added for Maple syrup and honey, with three classes each. Fair organizers encourage local producers to get their Maple syrup and honey entries ready for some friendly competition!

All of the entry categories and requirements can be viewed online in the 2023 Fair Book. Entries can be completed online. A print version of the 2023 Fair Book is currently being published and will be available by mid-June. A digital copy can be viewed now by visiting: Fair Book Online.

The BAS is pleased to announce the return of the Poultry Show and competition on Saturday, Aug. 19 featuring more than 100 categories. The exhibits will include large fowl, bantams, waterfowl, turkeys, pigeons, and a full section for junior exhibitors to enter. This is sure to be a hit with breeders and everyone attending the Fair, both young and old. For more information on entering the Poultry Show, please visit: Fair Book – Poultry Section.

Vendors who wish to have an indoor or outdoor booth to sell crafts or promote a business are asked to go to the BAS website to learn more about: Concessions as well as rates and contact information. Booth spaces are filling up quickly. Anyone interested should secure their space soon.

Volunteers from the community are needed to help make the Bayfield Fair a success. Whether it’s a few hours or a few days, volunteer help is always appreciated. High school students who need extra hours to complete their volunteer service requirements for graduation are most welcome. Anyone interested in volunteering can email: info@bayfieldfair.ca.

Be sure to join in the fun and start getting those entries ready!

FOUR TRIBUTE BANDS OFFERING SOUNDS OF  SUMMER

The Groove will be performing an outdoor concert at the town hall on July 1st. (Submitted photo)

The Bayfield Town Hall Heritage Society (BTHHS) will be hosting several concerts this year to raise funds to continue in their efforts to maintain and enjoy the Bayfield Town Hall. Music lovers can look forward to three concerts this summer with three tribute bands sharing their talents from Canada Day to Bayfield Community Fair weekend.

“The Groove”, a nine-piece disco band based in London, ON, will perform on the outdoor stage at the Bayfield Town Hall on Saturday, July 1st. They are sure to perform people’s favorite hits from the disco era including the “Bee Gees”, “Donna Summer”, “KC and the Sunshine Band”, and more! Attendees are encouraged to represent the 1970s by dressing in their disco finest and to head on up to the “dance floor”.

The gates for this concert open at 6 p.m. with the band getting their groove on starting at 7 p.m. Tickets are available now for $25 per person.

Civic Holiday weekend will bring “Crazy Diamonds”, a Pink Floyd Tribute Band from Kitchener, ON to the outdoor stage at the town hall. This is a great opportunity for Pink Floyd fans to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the release of Pink Floyd’s “Dark Side Of The Moon” album and hear it in its entirety.  The band will also perform other Pink Floyd classics.

The gates for this outdoor concert open at 7 p.m. with the tribute beginning at 8 p.m. Tickets are selling for $40.

For both of these concerts a cash bar selling beer and wine will be available. Those who attend are asked to bring their own chair.

And then on the third weekend in August, the BTHHS and the Bayfield Agricultural Society are joining forces to bring a “Rock Revival” to the Bayfield Community Fair! Two bands – “ZED” and “Southern Fried” – will take over the Bayfield Fairgrounds at Agricultural Park on Saturday, Aug. 19.

ZED will bring Led Zeppelin’s rock to life as this band faithfully recreates the sound of Led Zeppelin’s studio albums to an astonishing level of accuracy while also capturing the magical aura of the Led Zeppelin live experience.

Established in 2003, Southern Fried has been stunning audiences with a true experience of Southern rock music. They have been hailed as simply the most authentic-sounding Lynyrd Skynyrd tribute anywhere!

Tickets are $30. Fairground gates for this Rock Revival will open at 6:30 p.m. while the concert will start at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available now for $30. There will be a cash bar. Attendees are asked to bring their own chair.

Tickets for all the concerts listed in this summer line-up can be purchased online by visiting: www.bayfieldtownhall.com.

LAST CHANCE TO DONATE TO SALE

SUBMITTED PHOTOS

Honk! Honk! Saturday, June 24, is the date set for the third and final donation drop-off for the Rummage Sale! Kindly note, donations will not be accepted at the arena on set-up day so people should be sure to bring their items to the Quonset Hut this weekend.

Volunteers will be accepting donations from 9 a.m. until noon.

It’s not too late to donate something specific for the Silent Auction tables. Please contact info@pioneerpark.ca and include “Silent Auction” in the subject line. These items are safely registered and stored in a different location.

The Quonset Hut is filling up with some exceptional merchandise and volunteers have been gushing over all the rare and unique treasures! It really is exciting to see what arrives and to imagine where it may end up. Whether someone is just starting out, a collector of vintage finds, setting up a new cottage or sending a young person off to post-secondary, the Rummage Sale truly offers something for everyone and every budget.

The date for the 74th Annual Rummage Sale and Silent Auction is Friday, July 14 starting at 6 p.m. The sale takes place at the Bayfield Arena and Community Centre located at 4 Jane Street in Bayfield. For everyone’s safety, Team Rummage asks people to be mindful of the limited space in the arena and not to bring bicycles, wagons and dogs onto the sale floor. Guide and service dogs exempted.

The following items are always very popular and in great demand: indoor and outdoor furniture (nothing too heavy); tables and chairs; linens, towels, draperies; antiques and collectibles; housewares including, dishes, glasses, pots and pans; baskets; purses and jewellery; garden decor and garden tools; tools of all sorts; decorative items including figurines, vases, framed mirrors and art prints; festive decorations; adult and children’s games, books and puzzles; DVD’s, record albums and stereo equipment; floor lamps and table lamps; sporting goods are very popular; all recreational items including bicycles; home electronics and small appliances.

The following items are not acceptable: mattresses of any size; sofas and sofa beds along with any large, heavy furniture; children’s furniture, strollers, damaged or soiled toys; no large appliances or televisions; monitors, printers or fax machines; Christmas trees, strings of lights; clothing, shoes or hats; Tupperware, plastic utensils, water bottles, lone coffee mugs; plastic garden pots; life jackets or bike helmets; window blinds with pull strings; unframed mirrors and no used candles.

SHELTER VETERAN IN NEED OF A FOSTER

Blackwell aka Mr B (Submitted photo)

Blackwell, affectionately known as Mr. B, now a long time resident of Bayfield’s Forgotten Felines (BFF), has lived a life somewhat akin to a feline soap opera. He is the Adopt a BFF of the week.

As a kitten he survived by eating out of a restaurant’s dumpsters and begging for food at the patio where unfortunately customers tossed him morsels that were not always suitable for a feline diet like chicken topped with extremely hot sauce. This thoughtless practice destroyed his stomach.

He eventually moved to a new neighborhood where a caring family started feeding him but they couldn’t keep him due to allergies and travel commitments. It was then he was trapped and brought to the Rescue.

“Although at first glance, he seemed to be in not too bad of shape he was very scared and feral, wanting nothing to do with people,” recalled Deb Penhale, representing BFF. “We noticed an abnormality in his mouth and got him to the vet. It turned out Mr. B was missing most of his front teeth and had extensive gastro issues due to the poor, and inconsistent, diet he had for years.”

He was provided proper nutrition, neutered and monitored by volunteers.

“He soon was giving the absolute best hugs and would allow people to pet him for hours on end,” said Penhale. “He became the most affectionate cat in the shelter as well as a caretaker of kittens.”

Mr. B has had a couple of adoption fails, his good nature and big personality not superseding recurring gastro problems that have led to poor litter box behaviour.

“Both times his gastro problems resurfaced and using the litter box consistently became an issue,” explained Penhale. “When he was returned we, took him to the vet and had multiple tests done. We got him back on a very strict gastro diet and changed his litter and as a result we are happy to say that Mr. B has not had any litter box issues for some time.”

According to Penhale that when adopted Mr. B will need to remain on his special gastro food and use paper litter to keep him on track. BFF is now looking for a foster family that would welcome Mr. B for a trial run.

“It would be wonderful if we could find someone who would be willing to even foster him on a short-term basis just so we can ensure that this issue has 100 per cent been rectified, he is so deserving of his forever home and is truly one of the most amazing cats to come through our doors. They are all special in their own way, but Mr. B has a special place in our hearts,” she said.

Penhale reports that BFF continues to receive daily calls about Momma cats and their kittens. They now have over 60 kittens and have a waiting list of 20 plus.

The volunteers continue to be grateful for donations of wet food both for kittens and adult cats.

“Once again we cannot move forward without fosters and financial assistance. At this point in time we are looking at almost $16,000 to spay or neuter and vet all the kittens that we currently have in our care,” said Penhale.

If anyone would like to send their donations directly to Clinton Veterinary Services where BFF’s rescues receive their care they can do so by sending E-transfers to reception@clintonvet.ca. Please make note that the money is to go to “Bayfield’s Forgotten Felines”. Financial donations may also be sent via E-transfer to bayfieldsforgottenfelines@gmail.com or mailed to P.O. Box 33, Bayfield, ON, N0M 1G0.

The adoption fee is $250. Adopted cats are vetted, shots are up-to-date and they are also spayed or neutered. Adoption inquiries may also be made to the BFF’s email address above.

Currently, there is a Go Fund Me campaign being run to encourage more donations for BFF. For more information visit: Go Fund Me – BFF.

And this coming weekend an adorable gang of potential adoptees will be at Pet Valu in Goderich for an Adoption Event on June 24-25 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. This would be the perfect time to visit and let one (or two) of these adorable kittens pick their human! Pet Valu is located at 35400 Huron Road in Goderich.

“Some days it feels like we are trying to empty an ocean with a teaspoon but seeing these once forgotten felines, like Mr. B, healthy, happy and blossoming makes us all the more determined to get them into the homes that they deserve with the families that deserve them,” concluded Penhale.

NATIVE-SPECIES PLANTED AT BAYFIELD RIVER

The Bayfield River Valley Trail Association’s Trail Blazers works crew volunteers and a planting crew from Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority worked together on June 14 to add native-species plantings to the Bayfield River Flats which is permanently protected by the Huron Tract Land Trust Conservancy (HTLTC). (Photo by Roger Lewington)

Volunteers from Bayfield and area, working with planting crews from Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority (ABCA), have been busy planting native-species shrubs at the Bayfield River Flats, a nature area preserved by the Huron Tract Land Trust Conservancy (HTLTC).

The Bayfield River Valley Trail Association’s Trail Blazers works crew, led by Works Manager Peter Jeffers, and ABCA staff worked together to enhance the Bayfield River Flats through shrub planting on June 14. There were nine community members who helped with the planting.

The community members planted 445 pollinator plants and shrubs. Some of the wet-tolerant plants are nearer the Bayfield River and some species favoring drier conditions were planted on the flood plain flats.

Angela Van Niekerk is Wetlands Specialist with ABCA. She said the plants planted at Bayfield River Flats will add habitat for species, help to filter water during flooding, and hold the soils in place.

In May of this year, a tree planting crew also planted 200 Sandbar Willow shrubs along the river embankment to help reduce bank erosion. The Sandbar Willow is a shrub willow that forms thickets, helping to hold together and protect the riverbank.

The planting is possible thanks to federal, provincial and county funding partners. The Government of Canada’s Canada Nature Fund (CNF), to protect species at risk, and the Government of Ontario’s Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks both provided funding in support of the streambank planting. Huron Clean Water Project, under the auspices of the County of Huron, also provided grant support that made the planting possible.

The HTLTC was formed in 2011, by the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Foundation, a registered Canadian charity. The land trust serves the area of the historic Huron Tract. The HTLTC is a volunteer organization with a separate board of directors and is a member of the Ontario Land Trust Alliance. The HTLTC accepts donations and bequests of land and gives people in the Huron Tract area a way to make a positive difference by helping to protect and restore land, water, and nature.

Thanks to generous public donations of land and money, the land trust protects these important nature areas: Heaman Tract (2019), near Ailsa Craig, donated by Janet Heaman in memory of Jack Heaman; Woodburne Farm (2018), near Goderich, donated by Ilse Elliott and her late husband William Elliott; Bayfield River Flats (2017), donated by Bayfield River Valley Trail Association (BRVTA) and community donors; Mayhew Tract (2015), near Holmesville, donated by the Mayhew Family, in memory of Jack and Iris Mayhew; and coming soon is the Warner Wildlife and Nature Preserve in Grand Bend, to be donated by Peter Warner and his late wife Esther.

The current land trust board is Chair Max Morden, Grand Bend; Past Chair Roger Lewington, Bayfield; Don Farwell, Stratford; Paul Spittal, Bayfield; Philip Walden, Thedford; Steve Bowers, Brussels; Kerry Teskey, Grand Bend; Jessica Smeekens, Thedford; and Alison Lobb, of the Clinton area.

A donation to the HTLTC is a local way to leave a lasting legacy for future generations. These donations of land and/or funds help to permanently protect nature areas with local benefits such as water quality, forests and habitat, and public enjoyment and recreation. People can help to permanently protect and preserve the natural, recreational, scenic, historical, or agricultural importance of properties in the historic Huron Tract area through their donation to the land trust. The Chair of the land trust encourages prospective donors to contact any member of the Board of Directors or to contact staff at 519 235-2610 or toll-free 1-888-286-2610. To learn more about the Conservancy, email info@htltc.ca or call 1-888-286-2610 or visit: htltc.ca.

FENG SHUI WORKSHOP UNIQUE  FUNDRAISER

Participants in a workshop scheduled for September can learn how to apply Feng Shui and easily create a home or workplace of beauty, harmony and comfort, which feels as good as it looks! (Submitted photo)

This fall, individuals have the opportunity to join a fun and interactive two-day Feng Shui workshop in Bayfield. The workshop will be of interest to professionals who would like to add Feng Shui to their skill set or anyone who is interested in applying Feng Shui to their home and/or personal life.

Participants will uncover the myths and discover the common-sense principles of Feng Shui! They will learn how to bring harmony and balance to their home and workplace, garden and health, with the aim of reducing stress and improving overall wellbeing. Registrants may bring a floor plan of their home or office, which can be evaluated during the workshop.

The workshop will be held on Thursday, Sept. 21 and Friday, Sept. 22 at the Bayfield Town Hall, 11 The Square, Bayfield. The event will run each day from 9-4:30 p.m.

A lovely lunch as well as snacks and beverages will be served on both days. Participants will receive a binder with course information, a Feng Shui book, and a certificate of achievement.

Helen Varekamp will be facilitating the workshop. Varekamp was an instructor for QC Design College, teaching Feng Shui workshops, and had a consulting business in interior design and Feng Shui design. Now retired, she volunteers for several community organizations, and is dedicating her time and knowledge to this event, with all proceeds going to Huron Hospice.

“There are so many great fundraising events, but I felt like doing something a bit different,” said Varekamp. “I enjoy Feng Shui and love sharing the subject with others. I feel everyone can benefit from learning how to create a space that feels as good as it looks. Feng Shui workshops have rarely been offered this side of Toronto – I really want to give residents in this area an opportunity to attend a local and affordable workshop, while supporting a great cause.”

The early bird registration fee is $675 which is HST exempt; after Sept. 1 the fee will be $750. Participants will receive a $500 charitable tax receipt from Huron Hospice. Early registration is recommended, as limited seating is available!

For more information and registration, visit the Event page of the Huron Hospice website at Feng Shui Workshop.

This is a scent-free event.

Participants can learn how to apply Feng Shui and easily create a home or workplace of beauty, harmony and comfort, which feels as good as it looks!