Newsmaker

The Pioneer Cemetery in Chelsea was recently vandalized, mainly by persons driving ATVs.  Headstones were overturned, including the one marking the grave of Private Richard Rowland Thompson, the only Canadian soldier to receive the Queen’s Scarf of Honour.  Mayor Jean Perras, of Chelsea, has said that the municipality is willing to work with residents to deal with the ATV problem.

Sylvia Shawcross, humorous columnist for The Low Down to Hull and Back newspaper, has published a collection of her pieces, together with some original short stories, under the title But Never Mind All That.  The book is available at Chelsea Books, or on line at www.abebooks.com and www.chelseabooks.com.  It can also be purchased by e-mailing to nevermind07@sympatico.ca.  The book launch took place at Chelsea Books on February 11.

The annual Wakefield Dragonfest was held on the Wakefield Recreation Grounds on  February 2 and 3.  In the opening ceremony writer Phil Jenkins, village poet Phil Cohen and the Wakefield Elementary School students led the crowd with poems, songs and a parade, until the dragon’s roar opened the festival, marked by games for kids, ice bowling, a tug of war, ice sculpture and a hockey tournament.

The Aylmer Heritage Association is still trying to find out whether city funding will be available for the restoration of the McLean House, designated a heritage property.

A painting of the old Wakefield covered bridge, by Helen Hamilton, has been donated by the artist to the Gatineau Valley Historical Society.