28 September 2014

British Home Child Day

Today, Sunday 28 September is British Home Child Day in Ontario. Jumping the gun the Ontario East British Home Child Family,Township of Athens & Athens Heritage Society jointly sponsored a commemoration event in Athens on Saturday, 27 September.
Following a opening event with local dignitaries attended by about 65 people activities took place in three locations. The role of British Home Children in World War 1 was remembered.
Local organizations, which included BIFHSGO and OGS, mounted displays at the Joshua Bates Centre. In this photo you can just see a corner of the British Home Child quilt. John Sayers was on hand to help people with their research.
There were several home child trunks on display. I had forgotten that being so close to Brockville many of the children settled in the area came from Scotland with the Quarriers organization. Also on display were miniatures of medals awarded to Home Child VC winner Claude Nunnery.
A special display mounted at the Athens Museum included this list of some home children settled in the Athens area.
I didn't have the opportunity to visit the third venue, the Baptist Church, where a series of set presentations and an open mic opportunity were featured.
The total attendance likely exceeded 100.

UPDATE:  Find additional photos from the event at https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10154634701600557&set=pcb.10154634705730557&type=1&theater

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