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<\/p>\nThe Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Bayfield Agricultural Society (BAS) was held in the basement of St. Andrew\u2019s United Church on Friday, Nov. 24.<\/p>\n
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Following a meal and presentation on Junior Farmers by Jeanette Schramm, the business of the Annual Meeting proceeded.\u00a0 AGMs are held so that members can learn about what an organization has accomplished, approve the financial statement and proposed budget, and appoint people to committees and positions of leadership.\u00a0 The BAS used the event to also acknowledge and present awards to individuals and organizations that have provided years of support.<\/p>\n
This year the OAAS (Ontario Association of Agricultural Societies) Accomplishment award was presented to the Hensall Co-op for its longstanding commitment to providing financial support to the heavy horse section and at times the Friday night meal.\u00a0 The Co-op provided beans for some of the meals and as samples to help educate fairgoers on types of beans.\u00a0 Jerry Groot accepted the award from BAS President Vicky Culbert and stated that the Co-op wanted to ensure agricultural activities like the fair remain active.<\/p>\n
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The second Accomplishment Award was presented to Don McIllwain, owner of the Bayfield Garage.\u00a0 McIllwain has provided vehicles to pull the children\u2019s train at the fair.\u00a0 He has on countless times at the last moment repaired things that broke down in the fairgrounds.\u00a0 He has regularly financially supported the heavy horse show and has provided a location for various signs over the years.\u00a0 It was pointed out that it is his business that often answers visitors\u2019 questions about the fair and what happens at the fair.\u00a0 He said that he has been a strong supporter because he wants to see the fair continue providing entertainment for the community.<\/p>\n
The final Accomplishment Award went to Bev VanNinhys.\u00a0 She has always been in the background of the Homecraft section helping with the handcrafts \u2013 either setting up, monitoring so nothing is damaged, or helping when things are being picked up.\u00a0 She has been a fixture for over 35 years.\u00a0 She always attended the AGM and had done it virtually the last few years.\u00a0 Unfortunately technology failed her this year and it was the first time she missed the AGM and her certificate had to be delivered by hand following the meeting.<\/p>\n
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The last award given out was the OAAS Meritorious Award, which is presented to someone, who without them, the Society would be lost.\u00a0 The award was presented to Ted VanderWouden.\u00a0 He was president for six years.\u00a0 He was always finding efficiencies in how the fair should be set up.\u00a0 He started the use of a tractor getting things from the barn to the arena; he created an alternative to the old tables that needed legs attached; and he encouraged the use of shelving that could display the exhibits better.\u00a0 He allowed use of his greenhouse for the making of wreaths and also for the occasional meeting.\u00a0 He was always a very quiet leader who had the full respect of the Board and members.\u00a0 In accepting his award, his humour was certainly evident in providing his reason for being president for so long but he said he enjoyed the work and met wonderful people throughout the years.<\/p>\n
At the AGM Vicky Culbert was acknowledged for the work she put into her term as president.\u00a0 Doug Yeo was selected as the incoming president.<\/p>\n