The Western Development Museum held Museum School Days on June 6 and 7 for Grade 4 children of the area. It was well attended by many interested little ones and their chaperones. There were hands on activities and many things to see in the main museum building. There were volunteers on board to explain some of the working machines. There were also outdoor happenings in the barnyard and village. They had live animals in the corral and each day they sheared four sheep. Now the children know where wool comes from. The volunteers had different wheeled items to give them a ride through the village. Also there was someone to give them all rides on the fire engine. The weather co-operated so they all had a good time.
Sincere condolensces go out o the Norman Soule family of Ruddell on his passing on May 12. He was a community person and loved his family. He had a love for nature, living on the high river hills close to the North Saskatchewan River.
Baljennie will certainly remember the Soule family. Back in the early years before good roads were built and the ferry at the Denholm crossing was out for the winter, the only other way for Baljennie people on the south side of the river to get to North Battleford was to cross the river ice just south of the Soule farm, travelling with a team of horses with a cutter or sleigh box to Ruddell to catch a bus or train to North Battleford. You could stable your horses at the stable in Ruddell. Trying to get up those steep snow-covered hill trails through the Soules’ farmyard meant they were many times called to help out, which was very much appreciated by the travelers in need. Norman Soule and his brothers came to Baljennie events, and always the annual Christmas dance.
Connie Rayner of Battleford made a recent move to the Battlefords District Care Centre. Buster and Connie moved from Baljennie a few years ago. Buster passed away in November of 2002. Connie has been having health problems and had to make the move. She had her grandson Lloyd living with her for the past few years. Good luck, Connie.
D-Day ceremonies took place at Juno Beach in France June 6. Between 1939 and 1945, the area of Baljennie had more than 40 young men and women active in the Second World War. Some were killed in action. Others returned injured and had a difficult time getting back to normal life. Their memories are still with them. Most of them are in the age group of 90 years old. The larger part of them have passed on, but they will be remembered.
The Ag Society grounds have been the site of the Good Sam Jamboree. There were motor homes, house trailers and campers from all over North America. They camped for a few days and had events and tours of the Battlefords. Now they are all packed up and gone.
Sympathy goes out to the Sachko family of Cando on the recent passing of Edward Sachko. He was the fourth child in a family of seven children. He went to the old Willowfield School and later to Cando School. Living on the family farm all his years, he took pride in his house, yard and his crops and cattle. He was a great lover of nature and kept the birds well fed. He did a little travelling with friends when his health was good. He was also a great help to his family whenever needed. He will be missed by all.
