It was a night of jubilation for two special Puslinch residents on Aug. 15.
Wellington-Halton Hills MPP Ted Arnott told those gathered in the council chambers, “It is a special privilege I have tonight to present a Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal to two deserving recipients in Puslinch.”
In his explanation of the medal, Arnott said, “as everyone knows, this is the 60th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s accession to the throne.”
In honour of that, the government of Canada struck a special commemorative medal to recognize extraordinary community contributions all across Canada.
“Recipients of the Jubilee Medal reflect Queen Elizabeth’s lifetime of service as an inspiration to people across the country.”
He said the medals are an opportunity to celebrate the contributions Ontarians and all Canadians make not only here, but across the world.
Ontario is recognizing 2,000 recipients for outstanding contributions and each riding in the province was awarded a number of Jubilee medals to honour members of the community.
“In terms of my consideration as to who ought to be honoured, I sought the advice of municipal councils. Obviously community councils are very close to the communities they serve. I’m very pleased the Township of Puslinch was the very first council to respond.”
He noted Order of Canada recipients are automatically Diamond Jubilee recipients.
He said it was his special privilege and honour to name the first recipient – Matthew Bulmer.
Reacting with surprise, Bulmer commented “Good gosh.”
Reading the township’s submission, Mayor Dennis Lever said Bulmer “is a person of great determination, spirit and drive. He is a son, husband, father, athlete, volunteer, inventor, fundraiser and community leader.”
Lever said Bulmer has lived in Puslinch all of his life.
“He followed in his mother Barb’s footsteps and served on Puslinch council for 10 years. He has demonstrated his community leadership by also serving on numerous council committees and boards.”
Bulmer is an active member of the Puslinch Optimist Club supporting youth in the community.
Bulmer is also the president and driving force behind the creation of the Aberfoyle Farmers’ Market which helps to improve the availability of locally grown produce and products.
Bulmer is also a member of the County of Wellington’s Accessibility Advisory Committee. In 2009 Matthew participated in the CNIB Joe’s Team Triathlon to help to raise funds to conquer cancer.
“Matthew and his family recently participated in the “Do the Math” program at the Guelph Food Bank, an initiative to draw attention to the challenges of people living on social assistance and the experience of living from food bank rations.”
“For fun … and I don’t know how he fits in the time,” quipped Lever. “Matthew enjoys playing the bagpipes, swims regularly and when possible enjoys outdoor adventures such as canoe tripping.”
“Matthew’s active mind and creative spirit remind those around him that rolling stones gather no moss and there is nothing mossy about Matthew Bulmer.”
Bulmer laughed, “sorry I didn’t have a speech prepared.”
He thanked members of council for the nomination and members of the community for its support.
“It’s an honour to receive this from someone like Ted Arnott, who is an excellent example of how to serve one’s community with pride.”
“Wow.”
Recipient Marjorie Clark
As Arnott introduced the second recipient, Marjorie Clark, she seemed as surprised as Bulmer.
Lever said, “Marjorie was born and raised in the Township of Puslinch.”
She is a founding member and past president of the Puslinch Historical Committee.
“Her numerous historical writings have been her greatest contribution to the community and for people around the globe wishing to trace their ancestry.”
Clark’s writings include:
– Puslinch in the Papers;
– Our Village of Morriston;
– Life in Puslinch 1873 – 1898; and,
– Marriages: Puslinch Township.
Clark also co-authored several books including: A Celebration of Lives – Obituaries of Puslinch Township; A Genealogy of Badenoch Families as well as Puslinch Profiles, a community history book that documents the changes in the society, cultural and economic life of the Puslinch community from its incorporation in 1850.
Marjorie Clark and her brother John have also created the historical website “The Clarks of Tomfad”.
She has been a regular contributor of historical information to the local Newspaper the Puslinch Pioneer.
Lever added “I also receive a lot of emails from Marjorie reminding me of various historical facts in the community. I really look forward to see them coming and I know I will learn something about the community.”
“I’ve been taken completely by surprise here,” Clark said.
“I came here tonight to see my friend Matt Bulmer receive an award.”
Voices from the audience laughed that Bulmer had come to watch Clark get her award.
