[From the Ontario District's newsletter, The Trillium, issue 60-03, July - September, 2006 , Waldo Redekop, editor.]

Happenings in Heartland

By Don Coghlin, Heartland Division Co-ordinator

All chapters have been busy learning new music and doing sing outs. The division held a very successful Novice contest in Owen Sound on June 6. Close to 100 members, representing all the chapters participated.

A number of members from the Guelph Chapter travelled to the International convention. They enjoyed some fine music. The Guelph Chapter hosted the annual Harmony College North. They travelled to Toronto for the Pep Rally, singing in the evening events.

The Kitchener/Waterloo Chapter is back at learning new music after a very successful 60th anniversary show and party. They participated in the Pep Rally in Toronto by singing along with their quartets. A standing ovation was received for Cal Simpson as he sang, “Scarlet Ribbons.” Cal has just turned 85 but you would not know it by his voice. Over 30 members travelled to Owen Sound for the annual novice quartet contest.

The Mount Forest Chapter is busy working on the new music for the annual show on November 4 and 5. It will feature a 45 voice children’s choir along with a local group of young fiddler’s and dancers called The Ballagh Bunch, all from one family. A number of members travelled to Toronto to the Pep Rally. The chapter also participated in the Heartland Division novice contest. The chapter invited the Seaforth Chapter to their annual corn roast and will return to Seaforth on September 5 and practise with them for a sing out in November at the annual Western Divisional Christmas Show.

The Owen Sound Chapter hosted the annual Novice Quartet contest in June and provided a good setting and time for the rest of the chapters. The chapter travelled to Toronto and sang in the Pep Rally show. New music is being prepared for the annual show in October.     k