ACTON – Families and friends gathered in the Acton Town Hall Centre on Jan. 24 for a King Charles III Coronation Medal ceremony.
Wellington-Halton Hills MPP Ted Arnott and MP Michael Chong hosted the event and greeted guests as they entered the hall.
Master of ceremony Senator Rob Black invited recipients to the stage and read a brief description of their accomplishments leading to the awarded medals.
Centre Wellington resident Brian Bielby was awarded a King Charles III Coronation Medal recently in recognition of his service as Fergus Legion president, a 50-year Royal Canadian Legion member and more. From left: MP Michael Chong, Bielby, Centre Wellington Mayor Shawn Watters and MPP Ted Arnott.
The medals were received by 26 recipients from various towns and townships, including Erin, Halton Hills, Centre Wellington, Puslinch and Guelph/Eramosa.
Recipients from Erin include:
– Diana Arajs;
– Jeff Duncan; and
– Dr. James O’Connor (posthumously).
Recipients from Halton Hills include:
– Shawn Barnes;
– Rev. Peter Barrow (posthumously);
– Lois Fraser;
– Bob Hooper;
– Gerry Kentner;
– Gord Lookmam;
– LT Col. Gary MacQueen;
– Thomas Neal;
– Peter Pritchard; and
– John (Mark) Rowe.
Recipients from Centre Wellington include:
– Bill Baxter
– Brian Bielby;
– Jim Gibbons;
– Cecily Heslett;
– Brendan MacMullin; and
– Lynn McClellan.
Recipients from Puslinch include:
– Gayle Ecker;
– Ann Caine; and
– Robert Ireland.
Recipients from Guelph/Eramosa include:
– C.W.O. Mariangeles Najilis;
– Darryl Nichol;
– Greg Oakes; and
– Mary H. Wilson.
Arnott, right, presents Bill Baxter of Centre Wellington his medal on Jan. 24. Baxter was awarded the medal for his work with Crime Stoppers.
To be eligible for a coronation medal, a person must have made a significant contribution to Canada or to a community in the country, officials say.
