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The Leamington Mersea Historical Society has selected the winners of their 14th Annual Heritage Awards.
Heritage or Historical Family winner is the Charles Hairsine family. Ruth Adelaide (Tippett) Gunn, the oldest living descendent and 6th generation of the Hairsine family, is now living at Leamington Court Retirement Home.
Charles Hairsine, born in Yorkshire. England, came to Canada with his wife Mary in 1818 and settled in Mersea Township. Their descendants married and continued to live in the township and the town of Leamington.
Heritage Restoration or Preservation winner is the Hillman United Church. On August 14, 2011 the church celebrated its 114th Anniversary with a musical service conducted by Sure Foundation.
The cornerstone of the church was laid on August 18, 1897 on land donated by Ellis Hillman Sr. with 400 persons in attendance. The building of the church was paid for before construction was completed. The family of Lawrence Hillman can boast of 7 generations of descendants.
Heritage or Historic Contribution (Posthumous) Award has two winners. They are Audrey Nicholson and Janette Mulholland.
Audrey was volunteered for many organizations in the community. As a member of the Hospital Auxiliary, she worked in the gift shop. Throughout the year she volunteered at the Leamington "Tomato", the Heart & Stroke Foundation and the Cancer Society. Audrey helped with many special projects such as the Tomato Festival Parade, the Santa Claus Parade, the Blood Pressure Clinic, Special Olympics and the Goodfellows "Christmas Basket Project". As a member of the Leamington United Church, Audrey served on many committees including C.G.I.T., U.C.W. & Meals on Wheels.
Janette was President of the Leamington Fair Board at the time of her passing. During her tenure, she made the Leamington Fair what it is today. Janette was also Homecraft and Culinary Arts Director of the Agricultural Society. Janette gave sewing and quilting lessons in her home and encouraged her students to compete in the Fair.
Heritage or Historic Contribution (Living) winner is Dean Gow. For over 35 years, Dean has dedicated himself to the residents of the Municipality. Dean started as an ambulance attendant for Sun Parlor Ambulance before pursuing a policing career. He rose through the ranks to become Chief of Police for the Mersea Township Police Services. Upon amalgamation, Dean became the Chief of the Leamington Police Services.
Certificate of Merit Award winner for the Heritage or Historical Family is the Roadhouse family. On January 18, 1901 Brewin Roadhouse purchased the south half of Lot 3 on the 7th Concession. He divided the 100 acres between his sons, Joseph Earl and Eugene Carlyle. Earl built a house on his land and when he passed away, the property was left to his son, Charles Ernest, who sold it to David Chevalier in 1977. Today, David and his wife Janette, great grand-daughter of Brewin and their son Kevin live in this house.
The Leamington Mersea Historical Society wishes to extend our congratulations to the 2011 Heritage Award winners. These awards will be presented to the winners on Friday, October 14 at the Rhine Danube Club, Leamington.
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