For immediate release May 7th, 2024 - (London) – The Middlesex County Agricultural Hall of Fame, founded in 2000, recognizes the history and tradition of agriculture in Middlesex County. The primary objective of the Agricultural Hall of Fame is to recognize those who have demonstrated unselfish achievements within the realm of agriculture and service to the rural community in Middlesex County and beyond. This year marks our twenty-second induction ceremony, and to-date there have been over ninety individuals recognized for their contributions. In 2024 the following nominees have been selected; James (Jim) Duffin, William (Bill) Galbraith, and Robert (Bob) McCubbin. They will be honoured on Sunday, June 2nd at the Western Fair District, in the Agriplex Lobby.

JAMES DUFFIN (1934-2021) – Jim was born in London, Ontario and spent his life in the Thorndale area. He graduated from the Ontario Agricultural College in 1955 and married his wife Sheila in 1957. Jim was an active member of his community and served on numerous local boards, including the Thorndale Ag Society. Jim served as a Councillor and Reeve of West Nissouri, Middlesex Board of Education Trustee and as a Director of the Oxford Mutual Insurance. This nomination recognizes Jim’s involvement in the community, as well as the numerous organizations in which he was a part of.

WILLIAM GALBRAITH (born in 1937) – Bill graduated from Ridgetown College in 1955, and soon after became involved with the Middlesex Junior Farmers, elected as County Director and as Ontario President in 1961. Bill started farming with his father, and was able to purchase and build the operation over the years. He continued to be active in various local organizations and groups such as the Glencoe Ag Society, Middlesex Milk Committee, and the Strathroy Hospital. Bill was a Councillor, Deputy Reeve and Reeve of Ekfrid Township, as well as a Middlesex County Warden. Bill was also very active in the development of the County Buildings as they are today. Bill’s nomination reflects the impact of his contributions in Middlesex County and beyond.

ROBERT MCCUBBIN (1902-1975) – Bob was born in East Williams in 1902, and became involved in politics at a young age. He was elected to council at the age of 21, serving as Reeve in 1927-1930, and again in 1939. Following this, he ran and was elected as MP for Middlesex West riding, holding this position until 1957. He served as Parliamentary Secretary for 10 years to the Minister of Agriculture. Bob’s induction honours the work he has done both in his community, as well as a Federal Member of Parliament.

The induction ceremony will be held at the Western Fair District, in the Agriplex Lobby on Sunday June 2nd, 2024 at 1:00pm. For tickets or further information, contact Hugh Fletcher at (519) 666-1572. These portraits will be added to gallery of the Middlesex Agricultural Hall of Fame in the lobby of the Western Fair Agriplex.

For More Information Contact:

Middlesex County Agricultural Hall of Fame

Hugh Fletcher, Chair

hughfletcher@sympatico.ca (519) 666-1572

Lucia Lilbourne, Secretary

info@middlesexfederation.ca