Locals take in Ontario Plowman's Convention
by Susan Stein

On March 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th the Annual Ontario Plowman's Convention was held in Brockville.

Despite the bad weather through which some had to drive, an excellent crowd attended. Those attending from Simcoe County were Walter and Maguerite McCabe-retiring director, Don Priest - new director, Theresa Gould, Ivan DeGeer, Brian Carr, Wib and Beryl Hadwen, Alexandra Thomas - Simcoe County Queen of the Furrows, Bill and Alwyn Thomas.

On Friday the directors held meetings and workshops at the Quality Royal Brock Hotel. Topics included an effective meeting, roles of branch officers, encouraging competitors for the Queen of the Furrows competition.

There were 30 out of 32 Queens in attendance and on Friday evening they had a get -acquainted time and were informed of the exciting time they could expect at the plowing match in September 18th to 20th. Many thanks to Alwyn Thomas for giving her time and experience in taking the girls under her wing with advice and encouragement.

In the evening the President's Reception was held with everyone attending. A good time to visit with friends and to enjoy the musical entertainment.

Saturday dawned bright and early as the participants boarded buses to CJ's Banquet Hall where breakfast was served and the meeting began. Reports, resolutions and general information regarding the Association were given. The Ontario Queen of the Furrows,Vanessa Klages, gave an update on her activities to date.

On Saturday morning the Queens were treated to a most informative presentation by Ms. Melanie (Babcock) Hunter, former Ontario Queen 2002. At lunch time each Queen was to eat with their county director and Alexandra thoroughly enjoyed her time wit Walter and Marguerite McCabe.

In the afternoon the Queens and committee toured the Fulford Place Museum and then back to the hotel and a time for scrap booking. At 4 p.m. it was time to prepare for the evening banquet and picture taking.Then everyone went back to C.J.s for a delicious meal an great programme.

The guest speaker that evening was Paul Musselman, who was most entertaining. Also at the banquet retired directors were honoured with a plaque or pin. Congratulations to Wib Hadwen and Walter McCabe from Simcoe County, who are now Honourable Directors and to past Judge-in- Chiefs Ivan DeGeer and Bill Thomas who received pins for their years of service as well.

It was busy weekend, but enjoyable. The Thomas' headed for home on Sunday morning in much better weather, than Wib and Beryl Hadwen, who had to brave the stormy day on their way back on Monday.

Many thanks Alwyn for your report and extra thanks to all Plowmen for doing such an excellent job.