We had come from Scotland to Toronto in 1969 and finally settled in Oakville. We arrived here to Third Line in 1972 when our older daughter, Aileen, was 10 months old. We thought she needed a back garden & our apartment in Don Mills wasn't good for a growing child. Oddly enough she wouldn't put her feet on the grass - how ironic. Anyway, we liked the look of the place & the two harbours as we intended buying a boat at some later date.

It proved to be a pleasant town to bring up children. Helen was born in 1974. When the girls were young, we made good use of the libraries. I used to haul the girls to Story Time at Woodside library on the toboggan in winter. When they were 4 years old, both girls took dancing lessons at the Oakville School of Dancing (now run by Mrs Paterson's daughter, Amanda)They both took part in many of the Dance company's productions including The Nutcracker, Alice in Wonderland, and The Emperor & the Nightingale. Hugh and I got involved as parent volunteers. He helped make and paint scenery and I did makeup & a bit of behind scene help. I was involved in both girls' schools as a parent volunteer, which I enjoyed. They both started school at John Wilson Public school (the building is now the Oakville Christian School). After primary school, Aileen was at Blakelock & Helen was in French Immersion, so she finished high school at Queen Elizabeth Park.

I joined the Bronte Tennis Club when it started up in 1973 & played tennis for many years until I had a stroke in 2008. I hope to be able to play again when I am more normal. We have sailed for many years here; first in our 18 ft Foxcub and since 1980 in our PY26 . There are many harbours to visit close by. We've also been volunteers with the Oakville Power & Sail Squadron helping with navigation classes.

I started volunteering at the hospital in 1994 first as treasurer of the gift shop, which I did for 11 years, and now as a helper of the present treasurer inputting data in the accounting program. Hugh set up the BHYC website & volunteers every summer in the VIP program for blind sailors. He has also run the Junior Sailing Program in the past and is still involved with the program. Through the years we have made many friends and unfortunately lost a few who have died. In all, Oakville proved a good choice of town to settle in. Both girls taught swimming for the town and still keep in touch with many friends from childhood. I have memories of the Lakeside Marketeria in Bronte from our first days here. Sadly, Bill Hill died a number of years ago. I remember Bronte when it was shabby, but had more character than now with that awful condo with the green roof- though it is a good landmark from out on the lake. This is a bit disjointed as I forget & then remember things. We really enjoy walking along the lakefront from Third Line to Bronte & spending time in Coronation Park. My walking is very curtailed at the moment, but I hope it will improve. Recently, I have enjoyed going to the Oakville Strokers Program at Glen Abbey Recreaction Center. I'll also take part in the golf program for the physically handicapped, which will help my rehabilitation.

Both girls are away from Oakville now. Aileen, her husband, Tim Hadfield, and my grandson, Gavin, are in Peterborough where she is a Financial Planner with TD Canada Trust. Helen is in Toronto working for a media Analysis company. She has recently sold her condo and is buying a house in Peterborough with her boyfriend. We don't intend moving from Oakville any time soon, but at a later date will consider moving to Cobourg as it has a harbour.

- Georgina Ramsay