COOKSTOWN NEWS
by Susan Stein

At Cookstown Central Public School

On Friday, June 8, all students from Kindergarten to grade 6 took part in the Jump Rope for Heart event.

They jumped, they skipped, and they twirled Hoola Hoops, all to help raise funds for the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

Run by the intermediate students, the children were divided in 12 stations on the school yard.

They raised close to $10,000.

A big thank you goes out to all families for supporting this great cause and parent volunteers Mrs. Vankooten, Mrs. Currie and Mrs. Haley.

Freezies were donated by the local Foodland and Mrs. Haley. Congratulations Cookstown students.

The grade 7 and 8 students will be taking part in Hoops for Heart, a 3-on-3 basketball tournament on June 13th.

Volunteer Awards presentation

On Wednesday evening, June 6, the annual Ontario Volunteer Awards Presentation was held at the Barrie Events Centre.

For their volunteer work done for the Tec We Gwill Women's Institute the following members received their certificates and pins: Michelle Rich - 15 years; Glenna Ogle - 15 years; Patsy Bosomworth - 50 + years; Helen Hamilton - 40 years; Sylvia Platt - 30 years; Marion Thompson - 25 years.

For their contribution to the Tecumseth West Gwillimbury Historical Society, David Chambers - 25 years; Marylin Dodds - 5 years, received certificates and pins.

Wreford Nix - 20 years and Marlene Kell for her 5 years, received these awards for their work for the Cookstown Agricultural Society.

Many thanks and congratulations!

Bill and Gloria Turkington's story

On April 29th, a call came from Bill Turkington's dad in Ireland, that his mother was gravely ill and to come as soon as possible. She passed away on April 30th, Bill and Gloria secured an emergency flight to Ireland to be in time for the funeral.

The funeral on Wednesday, May 2nd, held as it is the custom, at the home of the deceased. Two ministers officiated at the service, attended by so many family members and friends, that many had to be seated outside the house and a sound system was installed to relay the order of the service.

For Bill and Gloria it was a time to mourn, to share their sorrow with Bill's dad, close and extended family.

It was also a time to reminisce and to reflect on their journey through life.

Bill and Gloria Turkington are native of North Ireland, County Antrum.

Sweethearts since highschool, Bill and Gloria married in 1965. Daughter Beverly was born 1968, followed by brother Nickolas, in 1970. The political unrest, and uncertainty of the future made the Turkingtons emigrate to Canada in March 1973.

Their first destination was Thornhill, where Gloria's cousin lived, helping them settle in. Bill an accredited chief metal worker, applied for a job and found one.

In 1976 Bill and Gloria returned to Ireland for a visit with Bill's dad, who lived and still lives in his own house, looked after by a daughter, a son, who live just a few miles away

Their home is now in Cookstown.

Bill was named in memory of his uncle William Bell, who gave his life in W.W.II. Posted to 44 Squadron Bomber Command on July 12, 1939, as operator/airgunner, he flew on many night missions.

On the evening of the 6th Sept. 1940, they flew on a mission over Germany. Their Hampden P2087 Bomber was hit by heavy AA shell, setting the aircraft on fire.

The pilot managed to bail out with another crew member, but Sergeants Bracegirdle and Bell went down to their deaths when P2087 smashed into the ground.

An unknown German officer sent home Willie Bell's personal effects and a letter to his parents, that he had been buried with full military honours.

Bill Turkington has a great hobby. It might be from hearing of his uncle's life in the RAF, but as far as he can remember, he was always interested in aircraft's, and started to devote many hours in building model planes.

Not little planes from kits. But large ones, which can really fly, controlled by Bill by remote control. He has three, always ready to be taken to shows. He will take part with them at the Canada Day Celebration, held in Adjala Tosorontio. Good luck Bill, have fun making more planes!

St. John's Anglican Church

She calls herself "A Small Church with a Large Heart". This was demonstrated recently, hosted three delegates from Jamaica, who came to the International World Day of Prayer Quadrennial Meeting at Seneca College Campus in King City. The church helped with funds to facilitate their expenses.

Prior to Sunday Service at St. John's on June 3rd, they went on a country drive around this area.

About 14 members of the congregation joined them for lunch and then it was off to Toronto to Timothy Eaton Anglican Church for a reception for 200 delegates from 100 different countries.

Strawberry Supper

Don't cook on Wed. June 20th! Come to the Strawberry Supper at St.John's from 4.30 - 7.

The price of tickets are $12.00, children under 12 $6.00, pre-schoolers free.