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THURSDAY, MARCH 2, 2000 THE NEW TANNER Acton athlete prepares for world life saving title By FRANCES NIBLOCK The New Tanner Getting a base tan so he doesn't burn and turning his body clock to Australian time are part of John Eddolls' preparations as the Acton athlete tunes up for the World Life Saving ionships in Sidney, Australia. Eddolls, 21, and the six- member men's and women's teams leave Sunday, to com- pete in Australia's national championships in Brisbane, and then at the International Life Saving Federation's world competition -- Rescue 2000 -- in Sydney in late March. "We're not going to strut our stuff at the Australian nationals," Eddolls said re- cently. "If anything, we don't want the Australians to know what we have in our bag. We' ll go to the nationals to get used to the media and train for the worlds." Sport is an important part of lifesaving in Australia where there were 305 prevent- able water-related deaths last year. Top lifesaving competi- lors are treated like NHL hockey stars and lifesaving will be a demonstration sport at the Sydney Olympics in LEGION News BRANCH @ } No. 197 By Joyce Buchanan Well, once: again I can't omplain about the weather. - wait till March shakes her Seems the fellows were way playing Crib, but sad to ay they didn't win. As al- vays, they had a good time. Three euchre teams will be 'oing to Port Credit on March 1. We wish them well and at east a good time. Finally, we hare having an Jpen House on Sunday, Aarch 26 from 1 to 6 p.m. to elebrate out 70" anniversary. \Il we ask is you purchase a 2 ticket ahead of time. This vill give us an idea of how auch food to order. The 10ney will be all given to the oppy fund. Tickets are avail- ble at the bar. Cut off date is Aarch 18 so come on down nd join the party. The General Meeting and litiations are set for Mon- ay, March 13 at 8 p.m. To all whoare ill. a speedy covery. See you at the Branch. September, featuring the top six world teams. Competitors are a blend of lifeguard and athlete, tested for skill, fitness, knowledge and judgment in still and open water rescues, line throws, manikin rescues, obstacles, resuscitation knowledge and skills and staged emergency responses. Eddolls, who took a year off university when invited to join the Canadian team, said along with the endless pool laps and land training, the team has been versed in how to proudly represent Canada. "We'll be meeting with Canada's ambassador to Australia and attending a few other official functions. We' re not just down there to com- pete -- we're ambassadors for Canada, our sport. We're there to win, but we'll do it with style," Eddolls said. Eddolls began his swim career at Acton High school and joined the Acton Aqua Ducks (who he still trains with) before swimming with a club in Guelph. A longtime life- --_ at the Acton Indoor 1, Eddolls learned about the national lifesaving team after his boss received a bro- chure about the program. "It's been a year that's kind of flown by and pro- vided great changes in my life," Eddolls said, adding he couldn't have done it with- out all of the generous emo- tional and financial support from his family, the Acton community and the Town. M John Eddolls Why not celebrate St. David's Day? by KAREN COLEMAN The New Tanner Yesterday, March 1, 2000, was St. David's Day. For those who are not fa- miliar with this Saint, he is the Patron Saint of Wales, and lived some time between 400AD and 600 AD. He is said to have founded many mon- asteries and churches throughout Wales, and many stories and legends about his journeys and teachings strengthened the Church in that country. Although, the date of his birth is not known, he is thought to have died on March 1", at the age of 82 - quite an age for that era. Every year, on or close to March 1", people of Welsh origin all around the world congregate to celebrate their Welsh heritage. Although I am not Welsh, and not particularly religious, St. David's Day has always meant something to me. Not only was my father born in bunch of shamrocks to bring FREE ESTIMATES | Dave Dawkins 853-2887 Wales, his name is David. My husband is also called David, and my youngest brother (by my dad's second wife) and a cousin also share the same name. St. Patrick's Day is just around the corner, March 17, 2000. As part of my job I have noticed several graphics rep- resenting this Irish day, and Stores are stocking greeting cards to celebrate. There are no doubt many Canadians with a Welsh heritage and Welsh immigrants in Canada, yet St. David isn't even men- tioned in Canadian calendars. The national flower of Wales is the daffodil, a sym- bol of Spring. Many people in the UK celebrate St. David's Day by wearing a daffodil on their lapel, or with a bunch of these bright, col- ourful flowers. I've never heard of anyone buying a spring into their home! y is it, then, that St. David's Day is not celebrated to the same degree as St. CARPET & VINYL REMNANT SALE Carpet 6ft to 35ft Long clear out price CASH & CARRY 128 Guelph St, Georgetown e 702-1217 OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK: Mon-Fri 9-7 ¢ Sat 9-5 © Sun 12-4 Outlet Patrick's Day in Canada? Is it a coincidence that St. Patrick's Day just happens to fall during the March break? Not a bank holiday (yet), but for many Canadians, the first holiday of the year. It was recently suggested to me that the Irish like to drink, and therefore it is a good excuse to have a pe (no offence meant). Well, the same could be said of the Scottish, and the English are renowned for enjoying a beer or two. St. George, Patron Saint of England (April 23") and St. ~ Youll be captivated beaches that rim the calm, blue Costa Club Acapulco Beach Resort en Andrew, Patron Saint of Scot- land (November 30"), also appear not to be recognized on North American calendars. Since there is a strong Eng- lish and Scottish heritage in both Canada and the US, I find this very strange. Per- haps it is different in other provinces. As a newcomer to Canada, maybe I have got it wrong. I wonder if there is anyone out there who could enlighten me!! (Karen Coleman is a staff member of The New Tanner) <2\Halton ag Council HIGHLIGHTS Council was reminded that there is positive news for the long-term situation be- cause the Provincial Health Serviced Restructuring Com- mission has called for the sig- nificant addition of rehab and acute care beds and an in- crease in long-term care beds is expected. Pharmacy (in the Medical Building) 93 Mill St. E. 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