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"The story of Ansnorveld began in 1928, when Peter Rol and his family arrived in Bradford from Holland. An experienced farmer, Rol was soon working on the land here, also. He learned to speak English by attending services in the Presbyterian church, and he learned to read English by reading comic strips. The language problem being resolved, the industrious family had, by 1930, opened up its own market where the Rol produce was sold. ..."

Article about the opening of the R.C.M.P. office in Newmarket.

Article about road closures on the 6th Line that were expected to prevent Applefest. The road did reopen in time to have Applefest.

"Every year, Bradford's Trinity Anglican Church holds the largest charity auction in Bradford West Gwillimbury.
Items up for bids range from the sublime - a diamond ring, donated by Universal Gems; a hot air balloon ride donated by Hugh Adams - to the downright silly. Last year, under the direction of auctioneer Allen Homer, bidding was fierce for the right to shave off the beards of two hirsute volunteers.
This year, the event will be raising funds to install a handicapped access ramp and an elevator at the church.
The auction takes place Friday, May 13th, 7:30 p.m. at the Bradford Arena. There is no admission charge. Refreshments can be purchased."

"Item 58 may have been bidding on himself. One of the more interesting items up for grabs at the Trinity Anglican Church auction, a pet lamb, made more noise than a table full of bidders on Friday night.
The yearly auction, held to raise money for the planned addition to the church, featured 155 items ranging from peanut butter cookies to a hot-air balloon ride. A smart bidder could have walked away from the evening never having to mow a lawn or make dinner ever again.
Local auctioneer Allen Homer kept the crowd's attention with his unique mix of humor and quick-paced auctionese. Homer donates his time each year to help the church raise funds.
Plans for the addition include an elevator, a handicapped washroom and parking spaces, outdoor ramps and a parson's study."

Description : On the north side of the 7th Line, about 1 km. west of Bond Head, there is a metre-high cairn in the fence line, that marks the location of the home and church built by the Rev. Featherstone Osler in the late 1830s. The frame church, that would become Trinity Anglican Church in Bond Head, was initially planned a lecture base for divinity students, church school, and centre for baptisms and marriages. It was during this time, that four sons were born to the Oslers - Feathersone, Britton, Edmund and William. The two elder sons became lawyers of note, Edmund a banker, and William, a doctor who was knighted for his service to his fellow man, and whose work changed the nature of medical practice and diagnosis. A number of medical facilities in Ontario have been named in honour of Sir William Osler, and at Trinity Anglican Church today, a memorial window and brass plaque are of great interest to the members of the medical profession who come from all over the world to visit the birthplace of this leader of their chosen profession. The Osler timber-frame country church, with its stucco coating, was moved in September of 1885 from the 7th Line to the top of the hill, at the northwest corner of Bond Head. It was rollered down the rural road in sections, reassembled, then given a veneer of brick and a new steeple. New oak pews were installed, and the interior was trimmed in oak. Much of the original interior and exterior still survive, including items used by Rev. Osler himself. On December 20th, 1885, Rev. Osler travelled from his Dundas charge to officially open the renovated church in its new location. Recently, Dr. Watters, a local resident and retired surgeon, speaking to the Bradford West Gwillimbury Local History Association, stated, "The old Osler church built and preached in by the Reverend Featherstone Osler, home to his astonishing family, is a piece of Canadian history of interest around the world. We must find some way to preserve the Osler church as part of that character, and as a reminder of the kind of people who began it."

Article about the sale of the Trinity Anglican Church in Bond Head, including a brief history.

A proposed drainage scheme to relocate the drainage canals in the Holland Marsh will cost an estimated $8.7 million. This sum is too great for the Marsh farmers alone so they are attempting to extend the assessment area to 65,000 acres of upland property in Bradford West Gwillimbury, King Township, New Tecumseth, Newmarket, East Gwillimbury, and Caledon but this idea has been met with legal challenges. Due to the legal fees surrounding this the Holland Marsh Drainage Committee has asked the province for $2 million in extraordinary funding for the scheme. After being completed in 1930 the 17.5 miles of canals that ring the Holland Marsh have been dredged several times, and after Hurricane Hazel were even widened and deepened. Although, recent studies show that the canal is almost filled in at certain points. Studies have also shown that due to south canal being filled in so much the north canal is handling four times the flow of the south canal. Relocation of the canal is the preferred solution to this problem.

Description : As we approach the end of the writing and editing, we are faced with the challenge of marketing our product, the book. We need someone who can help us develop a marketing plan and execute it. We offer the same pay and benefits that we all enjoy as volunteers - an interesting project, good fellowship, positive enthusiasm and the real feeling of accomplishment. Governor Simcoe Slept Here: The Legacy of West Gwillimbury is the book being written by the volunteers of the WEGWHIST project. To help pay for publication costs, a Patrons Page has been established. Donors will be recognized in print, in this wonderful book that will be published this year, and hopefully available by December.

Description : Don't forget to order your copy of Governor Simcoe Slept Here, the History of West Gwillimbury Township. The 2-volume history, 900 pages filled with information on 470 families and crammed with photographs, can be ordered for only $55 prior to the Book Launch on December 15th; $65 per copy afterwards. Cheques should be made payable to the Bradford West Gwillimbury Local History Association. The official book launch is scheduled for December 15th, 2 p.m. at St. John Presbyterian Church, at the 8th Line and 10 Sideroad - just in time for Christmas.