Paspebiac Library, July 24, 2014

I was invited, with my translator, Prof. Danielle Cyr, 

to talk about Le Saga Alford in French at the Paspebiac library.

David Grenier and his pretty partner, Melanie, arranged it 

to raise money for creation of the only drug rehabilitation 

centre east of Quebec City.

The nice spread led to an engaging book launch.

The librarian, Nicole Hardy, having previously acquired 
the book, seemed delighted to meet us.

After my introduction in French (!) Prof Cyr gave 
a most fascinating talk on translating The Alford Saga.

And then we signed a surprising number of books 
the small group bought.

Shigawake, July 11, 2014

Deacon Pat Hayes asked me to sell The Gunner 

at the Municipal Hall to raise money for St. Paul’s Church.

I spoke to a friendly group about WWI and The Alford Saga.

Everyone seemed to enjoy the talk.

Quite a number lined up to have their books signed.

Happily, I signed a book for Sarah Mackenzie, a pillar of the church.

Lois Hayes, the genealogist of Shigawake, helped me with all the books.

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

came with his wife Sarah, (3rd from L) and Tibby and John Westbrook.

Afterwards, Pat and I were pleased with the many sales.

Atholville, New Brunswick, Sanfar, July 10, 2014

In Atholville we stayed at the historic Sanfar cabins.

These 1938 but cosy cottages were built by Joe Sanfelipo, 

a musician in the Boston Symphony.

Sanfar got its name from the first syllable of Sanfelipo 

and the first syllable of Edna Farrar, his wife.

He played the accordion and, indeed, was 

the organist for the Boston Bruins!

Dave Richard, who loves history, bought them last year, and is restoring them.

Dave’s father worked on the Cambellton CNR (Railroad) 

as this plaque signifies, and so Dave grew up here.

Joe and Edna built and lived in the house across the highway:

Atholville, New Brunswick, July 10, 2014

Atholville, a small community just a few miles from Campbellton, 

nevertheless boasts a beautiful small library…

...and a beautiful librarian, Manjula Karunaratne!

She arranged for signs…

Sales of The Gunner went to Holy Trinity Church in Campbellton, 

whose Rector is Rev. Michael O’Hara.

Irene, a staunch and avid ready of the Saga, has come to all my launches, 

and is one of the rare daughters of a soldier who fought in WWI.

Campbellton Library, July 9, 2014

The Campbellton Centennial Library, hub of northern NB libraries, 

invited me back to talk about The Alford Saga.

Gabrielle introduced me…

…and her associate, Eva, looked after Joan and me.

I spoke to a very appreciative group…

...about WWI and The Gunner.

Rev Ross was there with his blue-shirted Youth Ministries, 

who gave me a lovely poster.

Afterwards, they bought several books.

One loyal reader had already acquired all the Saga books. 

In the background, Mark Franklin sold books to aid Holy Trinity Church.

We were able to gossip to each buyer.

Cathy Guitry, the church secretary, listened with young Jason O’Hearn 

who, at 12 years old, is a history buff!

Bathurst Library, July 8, 2014

 

 I was invited to the Bathurst Library, named after a mill, 

which has since closed, to talk about The Alford Saga.

The library itself is splendid. In my view, 

New Brunswick has the best library system of any province.

The head of the library, young Mathieu Lanteigne, introduced me.

I spoke about The Gunner in a small but comfortable room at City Hall.

Afterwards, book-buyers wanted their picture taken with Joan.

Mathieu sold the books.

One buyer, Leonard Wylie, is from a well-known family in Shigawake.

Unlike those occasions when I talk to hundreds, 

a majority of this audience bought books.

Paul Talks to the CBC about The Gunner

Click on "Listen to the interview" below to hear this.

Listen to the interview

Cascapedia, Gaspe, July 3, 2014

I was invited by the fine Cascapedia River Museum to raise 

money through the sale of the first six books of The Alford Saga.

 The Gunner (the sixth) is based upon my father, Lieut Eric (on right) 

and his brother, Rev. John. 

 We were honoured by the presence of the Federal MP, 

Philip Toone, probably the finest we’ve ever had on the Coast.

 Phil chatted to the Museum’s team, and the hard-working head, Rachel Dell. 

 I was especially pleased to meet Therèse Gallant, the Head 

of the WI (Women’s Institute) for the whole county.

I spoke to the small group who nonetheless bought a pile of The Gunners.