Malagash honours its fallen on Remembrance Day

Greetings everyone. Another week of uncertain weather. As I write this it is sunny but cold. We have seen heavy rain, some snow flurries, and some nice weather but who knows what will happen tomorrow.

Remembrance Day started out sunny but the sky turned very dark and threatening by noon. Fortunately, the rains held off until overnight.

Remembrance Day in Malagash started off with a lovely church service led by Padre Robert Dobson.

The choir sang a very appropriate anthem with Russ Durling, Poppy Chairman, reading In Flanders Fields and legion president, George MacKenzie reading the Scripture.

Following the church service, all proceeded to the cenotaph for the laying of wreaths.

The ceremony opened with the singing of O Canada with Jannie Berkelaar at the keyboard. Two minutes of silence was observed and the laying of wreaths began with Sergeant. at Arms Don Hall escorting those laying the wreaths.

first wreath was laid in remembrance of the mothers who lost sons or daughters in the service of our country and was laid by Jocelyn Dobson.

The following special wreaths were laid: Dominion of Canada by George MacKenzie; Province of Nova Scotia, laid by David Latta; Municipality of Cumberland County, by Peggy Publicover; Malagash Legion, by Dawn Fortune; Wallace School, by Grade 3 student Benjamin Gobin.

One very special one was laid by Jannie and Peter Berkelaar in memory of the Canadians who died while liberating the people of Holland and in memory of all those local citizens involved in the Coastal Watch program during the Second World War. This was laid by Clarence Duggan. Firefighter Captain Paul Morrow laid one in memory of all members of the Fire Departments who served during the Second World War.

Another 14 wreaths were laid in memory of individuals by family members.

Following the cenotaph service a luncheon was held at the legion with free will donations which went to Charity.

The evening ended with a lovely banquet held at the community hall for legion members and their guests.Several years of membership pins were presented during the meal. Once again the tables were nicely decorated paying tribute to the day.

Once again there was a very active card party at the community hall. It was a family affair with Maxine Brown winning the Ladies High and Kevin Brown the Men's High. Lucky went to Beatrice Mills, 50/50 to Donna Langille and Phillip Lyons took the Travelling prize.

Never did learn how to play 45s, but love my cribbage. One of these days Russ and I will go to the crib tournament which is held occasionally at our Malagash Legion.

Speaking of our legion, Jig the Joker is still running with a draw every Friday evening at 8 p.m. Always an enthusiastic gathering there with a couple of lively games of Pass the Ace. Always room for more.

walking group is still going strong in the community hall. When it`s cold outside it is nice to walk in the warm hall. Rain and snow will not bother us. Remember 10 a.m. on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

Christmas decorations are beginning to appear around our area. Thankfully people did wait until after Remembrance Day. Of course the stores have been decorated since the first of October. Plans for Christmas events are being made and will keep you all posted as to events in our surrounding area.

Have a good week everyone and stay safe! This past week had a Friendship Day – and a lot of acts of kindness were witnessed. `Look all around you, Find someone in need-a neighbourly deed--Help someone today`` from Edna Dobbs Scrapbook.

Marian Durling writes for the Malagash area for the Amherst News.