Coldwater A Village by the River

—by Lois Rooney-Giurin

Here we are approaching the busy season and preparing for 2025!

Coldwater has continued to be a busy spot with lots of craft sales, bake sales, and other activities leading up to the Christmas holidays. Those were all completed in November, and from the sound of things, were hugely successful.

Of note was the Remembrance Day lunch at the Legion on November 2. It was well-attended, a very intimate and loving tribute to our veterans and those who were lost. The parade on November 11, followed by the Cenotaph service, was, as always, moving.

Coldwater Lions Club held a dinner on November 9 at the Legion and recognized its members and achievements. Special guest speaker Dan Needles, author of the Wingfield Farms plays, as well as a number of books and articles, rounded out the evening with his humorous, self-effacing address. The evening concluded with a dance.

Coming up in December, the Coldwater Mill and the Lions present the Annual Santa Claus Parade on December 7 at 5:30 pm.

The Merchants of the BIA will have “A Very Vintage Christmas” every Friday until December 20. Enjoy shopping, carollers, and the tastes and sounds of Coldwater.

Coldwater and Eady United Church will be holding their Cantata with Choir and Friends on December 22 at 7 pm at the Coldwater United Church. This is always a warm, meaningful way to celebrate the season.

St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, and the Coldwater and Eady congregations will hold Christmas Eve services. Check the church websites or Facebook pages for times.

The Library has some exciting speakers coming up. Lynn Holden, author of “Voyage of the Vikings”, will be at the library on December 14 at 1 pm. Her book tracks the Vikings as early explorers.

Upcoming author talks at the Library:

January: TBA – we’re working on something but it wasn’t confirmed at time of publication. Check the Facebook page for updates!

February 22, 1pm: Ted Barris, award-winning author of “The Battle of Britain” which tells the story of our heroic Canadian airmen during the Battle of Britain in 1940.

March (Date TBA): Dan Needles, author of the “Wingfield Farms” plays and the novel “Finding Larkspur”. Dan’s self-effacing humour and gentle manner are a truly fun experience.

April 26, 1pm: We are delighted to welcome Maureen Jennings, author of “The Murdoch Mysteries” series upon which the TV series was based. This will be a popular and exciting event.

A Passport Clinic will be held at the library on January 14, from 2 to 6pm. A photographer will be onsite.

For events that are coming up between publications, check out the Coldwater Facebook page. Most businesses have pages as well, including the library and the churches.

Until next time, I wish you the very best of Christmas, and a very happy 2025.