Clinton Minor Sports

The Clinton Minor Sports Association is gearing up for spring programming, with archery and junior sports on the schedule. Registration for archery is on Thursday, May 7 starting at 3:30 p.m. at the Clinton arena, with classes starting on Wednesday, May 13 for juniors, intermediates, and family and adult. Classes are for those aged 8 and older, and the cost is $75 per person for six weeks of classes.

The junior sports program for those aged 3 to 8 starts on Monday, May 11. The six-week program is an introduction to sports and teamwork, and the cost is $20 per family. For more information, contact Melissa Painter on Facebook.

Softball fundraiser

The Cache Creek U15 Girls’ softball team is holding a barbecue fundraiser on Thursday, May 7 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Ashcroft Indian Band softball field on Cornwall Road. All are welcome to come out and support the team, build community spirit, and enjoy barbecued hamburgers and hot dogs, cotton candy, and more.

Men Supporting Men

The Ashcroft and District Hospice Society’s Men Supporting Men grief support group is now running every week, on Fridays from 10 a.m. to noon at the Ashcroft Seniors’ Centre (601 Bancroft Street). The next meeting will be on Friday, May 8.

The group welcomes all men who are looking for a supportive place for a conversation after a death, during a serious illness, or after a spouse or significant other has been placed in care. There are no fees, no membership is required, and there is no set agenda. Instead, it is a space where men can gather and talk over coffee and treats and a game of pool, darts, or cards. For more information, contact the Hospice Society at (778) 207-7575 or email ashcroft.hospice@gmail.com.

Co-ed rec soccer

Co-ed soccer for anyone aged 18 and older is starting up again in Ashcroft on Friday, May 8 at the soccer fields at the Ashcroft pool park, and will take place every Friday through September starting at 8 p.m. The cost for the season is just $20 per player (payable at the first game). For more information contact Chantal Johnson on Facebook.

Pancake breakfast

The Savona Area Seniors’ Society is holding a pancake breakfast on Saturday, May 9 from 8 to 10 a.m. They’ll be serving up a delicious breakfast featuring pancakes, eggs, sausages, bacon, coffee, and juice, and tickets are just $15 each (children six and under are free), and there will also be a raffle. You can purchase tickets by contacting Barb Gale (250-570-8579) or Dallas Embury (250-319-7577).

Variety show

Head to the Ashcroft HUB on Saturday, May 9 for the “Raise the Roof” dinner and variety show fundraiser. Doors open at 4:30 p.m., spaghetti dinner is served starting at 5 p.m., and the event will also feature an auction and live entertainment from a variety of local artists, including Jordan Danger, Colin Mastin, Nadine Davenport, Brian and Julie, Flat Busted, Jenny and the Gents, and Lovett Dance.

Tickets are $30 each, and must be purchased in advance. You can get tickets in person at the HUB office, or online at https://bit.ly/4tbWEeP.

Mother’s Day at the Ashcroft market

The Ashcroft and District Lions Club is holding their Mother’s Day pancake breakfast at the Ashcroft Farmers’ Market on Sunday, May 9 starting at 9 a.m. Head to the market on Elm Street (at the pool park) for a delicious breakfast, and check out the home- and handmade offerings at the market while you’re there (mothers will be treated to a free flower).

Calling all creators

The Gold Trail Artists invite all artists and crafters to a weekly session at the Ashcroft HUB where you can paint, draw, crochet, knit, share ideas, and do whatever crafting you like in the company of others. The sessions take place every Sunday at 10 a.m. in the HUB’s social centre (rear of building near Merv’s Gym; next one on Sunday, May 10), and the cost is just $2 per session.

For more information contact Sandy Reed (250-457-7027) or Carol King (250-457-9996).

Lions bingo

The Ashcroft and District Lions Club bingo is back at the Cache Creek Community Hall on Monday, May 11 (doors open at 5 p.m. and bingo starts at 6 p.m.). There will be hot dogs for sale, and you can try your luck with the Toonie Ball, with the winner taking home what’s in the kitty plus the evening’s take. Proceeds from the bingo go towards two bursaries for students graduating from Desert Sands Community School, and towards youth sports in our communities.

Coffee’s On in 70 Mile

If you’re in the vicinity of 70 Mile, drop by the community hall (2545 N. Bonaparte Road) on Tuesdays from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. for coffee, homemade soup, biscuits, and dessert. You’ll enjoy a lovely (by donation) coffee or lunch, along with some great company. Next lunch is on Tuesday, May 12.

Coffee and a craft

Deb Tuohey is hosting drop-in craft sessions every Wednesday from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Ashcroft HUB. The cost is just $5, which includes all the supplies needed for the week’s craft; the next session is on Wednesday, May 13.

Spences Bridge Community Club

The next meeting of the Spences Bridge Community Club is coming up on Wednesday, May 13 starting at 7 p.m. at Clemes Hall. Residents are encouraged to join the club (annual dues are $5 per year), have their say in what the club does, or even take on a role on the executive committee. The commitment is very little, but the rewards are immense.

Suddenly One

The Suddenly One: Building Connections program takes place every other Thursday from 1:30 to 3 p.m. at the Ashcroft Library (private meeting room at the back), and the next meeting will be on Thursday, May 14.

The group is for anyone of any age who suddenly finds themselves alone, or who who is grieving a death, experiencing an illness, or whose spouse or significant other has gone into care. Meetings feature coffee, tea, treats, and conversation, with people able to share their thoughts, stories, and experiences. There is no agenda; topics and activities are up to the participants, all in an accessible, respectful, and confidential space.

There is no cost to take part, and participants can attend as many or as few sessions as they would like. For more information, email ashcroft.hospice@gmail.com or call (778) 207-7575.

Home Alone course

The Ashcroft HUB is holding a Home Alone course, which teaches children how to be safe at home when they’re by themselves. Participants must be turning 10 years old this year.

The course takes place on Friday, May 15 (a Pro-D day at school) from 9:30 a.m. to noon, and the cost is $30 per person. Space is limited, so register today at https://wkf.ms/4kkqgCX.

Off-Road Vehicle fun run

The Loon Lake Community Recreational and Agricultural Society is holding its annual Off-Road Vehicle Fun Run on Saturday, May 16, and pre-registration is now open. Registration cost is $25 per driver and $15 for each passenger (includes fun challenges, barbecue lunch, a drink, and eligibility for prizes), or $10 each (includes barbecue lunch) for spectators who want to watch the fun.

The race starts at 11 a.m. on May 16, with registration starting at 10 a.m. for those who didn’t pre-register. The check-in and start point has yet to be determined. For more information, visit the Loon Lake Community Facebook page; to register, go to https://bit.ly/4tnpYPB.

Ladies’ Night

Ladies, get ready to travel back in time to the 1980s at the Ashcroft HUB’s next Ladies’ Night, taking place on Friday, May 22 starting at 7 p.m. Shake out your leg warmers, tease your hair, and brush up on your ’80’s trivia, because girls just want to have fun!

The evening will feature games, food, a cash bar, trivia, music, and more; you can even get an air band together and take part in a battle of the bands. Tickets are $20 each, and can be purchased at the HUB, or online at https://bit.ly/4tbWEeP.

Ashcroft summer soccer camp

Kamloops-based Soccer Quest has offered to host a summer soccer camp in Ashcroft for children aged 6 to 12 (born 2014 to 2020). The five-day camp is tentatively scheduled from July 27 to 31, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. each day, and the cost is $275 per child (family discounts are available). Participants will learn from professional coaches while they participate in fun games and activities throughout the week, culminating in the Soccer Quest World Cup.

In order for the camp to go ahead, commitment is required from a minimum of 40 players across the 6 to 12 age range. You can express your interest by commenting on the South Cariboo Minor Soccer Association Facebook page, and find more information there and at https://bit.ly/4bkUbqH.

School’s Out at the HUB

The School’s Out program of free events for kids aged 5 to 12 is in full swing at the Ashcroft HUB. Sessions run Monday through Thursday from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. each day, and feature a variety of fun activities and events, including crafts, science, physical activities, and more. To register, go to https://wkf.ms/487QNx5; for more information contact the HUB at (250) 453-9177 or email office@ashcrofthub.com.