Title: CFPL TV Chronicles: Bunny Bundle Canoe Race

 

Title: "CFPL TV Chronicles: Bunny Bundle Canoe Race – Paddling for a Purpose"

In the vibrant tapestry of CFPL TV Chronicles, a delightful chapter unfolds, harking back to the late 1960s and 1970s, when the annual Bunny Bundle Canoe Race painted the city of London, Ontario, with hues of camaraderie, community spirit, and a dash of whimsy.

Bill Brady waves to fans near the finish line in Fanshawe Park.

Guiding this cherished tradition was the charismatic Bill Brady, a familiar voice as the major spokesman for the London Free Press newspaper, CFPL Radio, and CFPL TV. As the Bunny Bundle Canoe Race took center stage each mid-April, it was more than a race – it was a celebration of creativity, community, and the spirit of giving.

At the helm of one of the motley boats in this aquatic festivity was the lovable Frank Proctor, donning the persona of Mr. Hoolihan from Sunshine School. His vessel, a whimsically crafted boat courtesy of the CFPL TV prop carpentry department led by Walt Staziak, became another symbol of the community's dedication to a greater cause.

The Bunny Bundle Canoe Race was no ordinary spectacle; it was a collective effort fueled by the enthusiasm of schoolchildren who donated their pennies to join the cause. The Thames River played host to a flotilla of homemade boats and canoes, each one a testament to the boundless imagination and collaborative spirit of the participants.

The race's scenic route mirrored the meandering spirit of the Thames, some starting as far away as St. Mary's but many more at the bridge at Plover Mills Road and culminating in the serene waters of Lake Fanshawe.

Beneath the surface of this joyous event lay a deeper purpose – supporting the Ontario Society for Crippled Children, (later, the Easter Seals Society) an organization that traced its roots to the efforts of the Rotary Club. The Bunny Bundle Canoe Race was a collaborative initiative that resonated with the community's dedication to assisting children with physical disabilities.

While the race stole the spotlight, the behind-the-scenes magic was orchestrated by ordinary individuals like my own mom, Trudy Carroll, an administrative assistant with the Crippled Kids Society, whose role was a humble yet essential thread in the larger tapestry of community support. The London Rotary Club's continued commitment and the collective generosity of the community worked hand-in-hand to weave a narrative of compassion and care.

In the grand tradition of CFPL TV Chronicles, the Bunny Bundle Canoe Race remains a poignant reminder of the transformative impact that a simple race could have on the lives of those in need. It stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of community, the joy of giving, and the timeless ripple effect of compassion.

I'll try to post a new story every Tuesday morning.

Title: CFPL TV Chronicles: Stone Farmhouse (PART 2)

 

Title: "CFPL TV Chronicles: Stone Farmhouse, Olympic Dreams, and the Winds of Change (Part 2)"

Welcome back to the riveting tale of our stone farmhouse, where parties were aplenty, memories were etched into the walls, and the winds of change whispered promises of a new beginning. As we bid farewell to the serene landscape that cradled our rustic haven, Part 2 unfolds, chronicling the transition from stone farmhouse to a brand new chapter.

Walter Blackburn's sage advice lingered in the air – "Go and buy the most expensive house you can get." The prospect of change, though tinged with the bittersweet aroma of nostalgia, held the promise of growth and new horizons. Thus began our journey from the stone farmhouse to a future yet to unfold.

The stone farmhouse, with its weathered charm and the echoes of laughter resonating within its walls, became a cherished memory as we ventured into the realm of homeownership. A brand new house, built by Sifton for a modest $28,000, awaited us as we stepped onto the path of progress.

The landscape shifted from the sprawling acres of farmland to the curated streets of a burgeoning new subdivision. The stone walls were replaced by fresh paint and modern amenities, and as we embraced the new, the memories of the stone farmhouse became a cherished legacy.

Our decision to heed Walter's counsel proved fortuitous. He was right. The housing market, like a dormant giant, began to awaken, and the value of our newfound home soared. What was once a $28,000 investment transformed into a windfall, providing the means to secure our current abode and lay down roots for the future.

The stone farmhouse, with its barn, cottage, and Olympic-sized dreams, faded into the canvas of the past. In its place stood a testament to progress, resilience, and the unpredictable journey of life. The winds of change, guided by the wisdom of Walter Blackburn, had propelled us into a new era.

As we close the chapter on our stone farmhouse saga, we carry with us the laughter, the camaraderie, and the enduring spirit of a bygone era. Join me in raising a glass to the stone farmhouse, the brand new house, and the vibrant landscape of CFPL TV's past. Until the next chronicle unfolds, may the echoes of nostalgia and progress intertwine in the timeless tapestry of our memories.

I'll try to post a new story every Tuesday morning.

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Title: CFPL TV Chronicles: Stone Farmhouse (PART 1)

 

Title: "CFPL TV Chronicles: Stone Farmhouse, Olympic Dreams, and the Winds of Change (Part 1)"

In the rich tapestry of CFPL TV Chronicles, there's a chapter that unfolds in the idyllic setting of a stone farmhouse, a place that witnessed great parties, unforgettable memories, and the winds of change. Picture it – a snapshot frozen in time, capturing the essence of a bygone era.

Wendy and I were fortunate enough to call home a charming stone farmhouse nestled on 150 acres of Walter Blackburn's land. This picturesque haven, adorned with a barn and a second cottage boasting, what seemed like a nearly Olympic-sized pool, became our sanctuary for a couple of delightful years. The rent, a mere $120 per month, was a steal for the sprawling estate that embraced us.

As we made ourselves at home, the property became a canvas for the vibrant hues of laughter and camaraderie. Parties echoed through the halls, and the memories forged in those stone walls became the very fabric of our lives. The landscape, a blend of farmland and the gentle curve of the Thames River, painted a serene backdrop for the tales that unfolded.

The pool, a grand vision of leisure and aquatic delight, posed a challenge. The well that quenched our thirst also sought to fill the expansive cement pool, leaving us with a choice. Pragmatism won, and the pool remained a silent witness to the dreams of Olympic-sized splashes that never materialized.

Amidst this rural bliss, Walter's gardener and his wife found solace in the second cottage, adding a touch of community to our secluded haven. The serenity, however, was destined to be disrupted. One day, Walter Blackburn and our neighbour from across the road, Frank Matthews, arrived in Walter's big black Buick, bearing news that would alter the course of our rustic idyll. "I'm sorry I have some bad news for you Tim. The property has been sold. . . But that's progress!"

The farm was sold, and progress, in the form of a gravel pit, loomed on the horizon. Walter, with his trademark wisdom, saw the silver lining in this transition. "This may be a blessing in disguise for you," he remarked. "Housing prices are about to skyrocket. Go and buy the most expensive house you can get."

And with those words, the stone farmhouse, the barn, the pool, and the cottage faded into the annals of CFPL TV Chronicles, leaving behind an indelible mark of cherished moments and the promise of a new chapter yet to unfold.

Stay tuned for Part 2, where we'll delve into the journey from stone farmhouse to a brand new home and the echoes of progress that shaped our destiny in the vibrant landscape of CFPL TV's past.

I'll try to post a new story every Tuesday morning.

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Title: CFPL TV Chronicles: Robbie's Radio Robot Rampage

 

Title: CFPL TV Chronicles: Robbie's Radio Robot Rampage

In the bustling world of CFPL Radio, Robbie Robitaille, the ingenious director of Engineering, embarked on a bold mission to revolutionize the late-night airwaves with his pioneering invention – the automated radio station. Armed with creativity and determination, Robbie sought to transform the radio landscape, envisioning a future where the station could run smoothly without the need for human intervention.

Robbie and the Robot

As Bob Peel and John Mahoney reminisce about Robbie's ambitious endeavor, memories of late-night escapades and technical hiccups come flooding back. Bob recalls the countless times he had to rush back to the radio station in the dead of night to reset Robbie's robot: "It was like a never-ending cycle of troubleshooting. Robbie's robot had a mind of its own, and it seemed determined to wreak havoc on the airwaves."

John chimes in with his own recollections of the radio robot's unreliability: "I remember those nights when the system would go haywire, and we'd hear multiple time checks airing back-to-back. It was like a cacophony of chaos on the radio. And poor Bob Ross was always on standby, ready to dash to the station and wrestle with the unruly machinery."

Despite its quirks and occasional malfunctions, Robbie's radio robot was a marvel of engineering ingenuity. The system relied on motor-driven shafts and mechanical switches, each meticulously calibrated to perform a specific function. For a brief moment, it seemed like the future of radio automation had arrived at CFPL.

However, as Bob and John recall, Robbie's grand vision ultimately fell short of its lofty ambitions. The automated radio station was plagued by irregularities and technical glitches, leaving the late-night airwaves in a state of disarray. Listeners tuned in expecting smooth programming, only to be greeted by a barrage of repetitive time checks and discordant music.

Despite the challenges, Robbie's valiant efforts did not go unnoticed. In a surprising turn of events, he was awarded a prestigious accolade for his contributions to broadcasting innovation. Though the radio robot may have been more trouble than it was worth, Robbie's unwavering dedication to pushing the boundaries of technology left an indelible mark on the history of CFPL Radio.

As Bob and John reflect on those tumultuous nights spent wrestling with Robbie's robot, they can't help but chuckle at the memories. For all its flaws and foibles, the radio robot was a testament to Robbie's boundless creativity and determination to push the limits of what was possible in the world of broadcasting. And though it may have been a bumpy ride, it was certainly an adventure they wouldn't soon forget.

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