Kindergarten » CounterPunch: Tells the Facts, Names the Names

Kindergarten » CounterPunch: Tells the Facts, Names the Names

St. James Cathedral, Toronto, November 8, 2014

The beautiful Cathedral Church of St. James 

in Toronto hosted a most impressive display of the Chaplaincy 

Services in the Canadian Military.

This picture hung for one hundred years in the Old Homestead 

until we donated it to the Chaplain’s Memorabilia room and thence here.

The display stretched down both side aisles.

News of the Canadian win in 1900 in Paardeberg…

...and the announcement of the declaration of war in 1914.

Over two hundred people attended this opening of the exhibit.

As we strolled through the exhibit, drinks and hors d’oeuvres 

were handed round and a superb trio played music.

David Appleyard gave me a splendid, though undeserved, introduction.

After which I spoke about the books in The Alford Saga 

which dealt with the chaplaincy.

The Chaplaincy School, Camp Borden, November 8, 2014

I was invited to the splendid Mess Dinner and celebration 

of the 20th anniversary of the founding of 

the Chaplaincy School at Camp Borden.

Capt Tom Hubley and Private Rob helped arrange 

my participation, room and transportation. 

Lieut-Col Paul Acton, Commandant of the Chaplaincy School, 

and me with the program wherein I was the keynote speaker.

I shared the talking with Maj-Gen’l Eric Tremblay, 

Commander, Canadian Defence Academy.

A band of volunteers provided the ample music.

Col Carl Doyon, Base Commander and Commander of 

Cdn Forces Support Training Group, seen here between 

Brig Genl Fletcher and Base Borden Chief Warrant Officer, CWO Godbout.

Then Paul Acton introduced me. One can see the enjoyment all around.

I spoke to the large gathering…

 …and managed to sprinkle laughs throughout.

Brig-Genl John Fletcher and I have become good friends 

the last couple of years, he having visited Shigawake.

.

Bishops College School, Montreal, October 26, 2014

 

 I was invited to my alma mater, Bishops College School…

...to talk to the student body in this auditorium.

While in Lennoxville, I stayed with a former 

headmaster Lewis Evans…

…and his lovely wife Cathy.

Lewis was co-author with me of Ups a Downs.

After this, I was invited to Chaplain college…

...by the brilliant young teacher Emily Evans to talk 
to a hundred or so students about The Gunner and The Hero.

Eastern Townships, October 26, 2014

Thanks to my admiration for the photographer film-maker 

Louise Abbott…

…who I met after I found her evocative book of the Lower North 

Shore en route to research The Pilgrim…

... I was invited to her creation, Studio Georgeville, 

to present The Hero and the Gunner.

Louise introduced me, and I gave a talk, after which 

many bought books.

I took time to go to my father’s church in Iron Hill.

The hill behind blazed with glorious autumn colours.

Even the dead were surrounded by beauty.

Orléans Express Bus, October 16, 2014

On my tour for The Alford Saga, I went from Shigawake to Montreal. 

I discovered the only train left from Campbellton 

— 2 1/2 hour drive = $350

What about a plane from Gaspe? Another 2 1/2 hour drive 

and $400 (with taxi). So I simply took the bus $125.

First I had a bang-up breakfast prepared by Francine, my housekeeper.

 

Am I happy! En route to selling THE HERO in Montreal, 

I passed breath-taking colors.

 

Sorry they are out of focus. I snapped them from the window.

Shigawake, October 10, 2014

At the invitation of St Paul’s in Shigawake from Deacon Pat Hayes 

and Treasurer Enid Mackenzie, who sold THE HERO…

I gave a talk to a small group supporting the church

 (and The Alford Saga).

Ken Duguay, the longest serving Mayor in Shigawake’s history, 

made sure to buy several books for his offspring and others.

 

While outside, the trees stood resplendent in a Gaspe autumn.