We of this generation have found it is much easier to put fat on than take it off. A lifestyle that was only a dream a few years ago now is considered a necessity.
How do you get by without government funding, without any other kind of funding and still provide your children with the amenities that help provide a well-rounded upbringing?
In my home village of Tuffnell 60 years ago our parents decided to build a community rink.
Since they had no money or any prospect of outside aid, rink boards were out of the question. So some bright soul hatched an idea: Why not cut four-foot blocks of ice out of Dry Lake and stand them up around a regulation size rink area?
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The Wheat Pool Committee organized a bee. Farmers brought teams, sleighs and cross cut saws and they rotated in at sawing blocks of ice and hauling them to the rink site.
The blocks were fitted together and water thrown on them so they would freeze into position. Snow was piled up on the outside and, once the rink was in operation, the outside brace was supplemented by rink scrapings. This pile of snow was where we stood to watch hockey games.
An unused shed was hauled up next to the rink to serve as a change room and a castoff wood stove provided heat.
A kindly garageman across the street provided lights for special night occasions.
No government inspectors condemned the ice boards as dangerous.
No one complained about the rink being built on municipal land. We had a place to skate and play hockey.
When asking for help is not an option it’s amazing how innovative people can be.
