St. Mathias, Montreal, May 27, 2013

On the Monday I was given a small reception at St Matthias 

Church in Westmount for the Chaplain.

The former Lord Archbishop of Quebec, the Most Rev. Bruce Stavert, 

who now in his retirement assists the Rector, the Rev. Kenneth Near, 

arranged the reception.

I was thrilled to meet Jane, the daughter of the distinguished actor 

Bill Needles who not at 92 is thriving and who worked with me 

in the 50s on CBC television. She is a parishioner of 

The Rev. Ken’s St. Matthias Church. She is seen here with Ken Near.

Andrea Hazelwood was on hand again to help sell 

The Chaplain and other books in The Alford Saga.

The reception was much enlivened by our friends: Sylvia Safdie 

is a terrific artist, some of whose works we own. 

She too bought The Chaplain.

Charles Faubert, a former Quest Films associate, and of course
  ;-) now successful in business, works with another successful 
former Questite, Robert Gervais, son of the 
distinguished Andre Gervais, sometime President of the 
Canadian Bar, who represented me.

Yurij Luhovy, Ukraine’s number one documentary maker, 

saved many of my films by his brilliant editing. He added the Chaplain 

to his other Saga volumes.

Stewart Harding, who worked with me for many 

early years, has become one of Canada’s best line producers.

Parishioner Audrey Scott is the widow of Harry, cousin of 

Peter Dale Scott and grandson of the august padre of WWI 

and poet, Frederick George Scott.

Trinity Memorial Church, Montreal, May 26, 2013

On Trinity Sunday, I preached from the pulpit in 

Trinity Memorial Church, founded by 

my uncle, Col. the Ven. John M Almond, 

subject of The Pilgrim, and The Chaplain.

I had been invited by the incumbent, the Rev. Joyce Sanchez.

I first tried out the pulpit, where my Uncle Jack 

himself would preach...

... and looked out at the magnificent church.

I was in for a sumptuous treat, for the service was one of the 

most enjoyable and uplifting I have ever attended, made 

spectacular by a great choir and the magnificent Cassavant,

  played to perfection.

 

After the service, we had a reception, and I signed The Chaplain, 

especially for the brilliant choirmaster, Brian.

Andrea Hazelwood helped me with The Chaplain.

I met another author, Russel Brooks.

 

Like Maureen Odude, and Sylvia Braithwaite, most of the 

parishioners have been attending for over thirty years.

Frank Dottin has actually attended for fifty years.  

My Uncle would have been so proud of him.

Week in Montreal, April 2013

I had a packed week in Montréal (the trees already in leaf) 

going for the launch of my first French title, 

published by Québec Amerique --  Le Deserteur – 

now on sale.

Of course, I had lunch with its very brilliant, talented,

 and tough editor, Myriam Caron-Belzile.

I brought up from the Gaspé a cartoon of fresh lobsters, and we 

enjoyed a feast at the house of my friend Nina Safdie, whom I consider 

almost my sister. Glenn Bydwell, the distinguished

 designer and architect, was awaiting his share.

Beverly Mitchell, once a columnist for the Montréal Star and Gazette, 

her husband, my long-time accountant Bernie Leebosh, and 

Jennifer Bydwell, a film executive, were all there to celebrate.

I had my annual lunch with the editor and publisher of 

Art Global, who published one of my books, and one of Joan's.

Andrea Hazlewood at theSecond Cup on Greene Avenue 

agreed to help me sell some copies when I go to Montréal in three 

weeks for a set of book launches.  I met her when
she had written her thesis on my film Act of the Heart.

Then I was delighted to return to the peace and quiet of Shigawake. 

But the tracks ran dangerously close to the Bay.

The piles of snow were melting...

 

...and the crocuses and tiny flowers poking up 

through the dead leaves of autumn.