July 15, 2018.  On July 12, Pieter was invited to give a presentation about the Cenotaph Research Project at St. John the Evangelist Church in Crapaud.  As the families of a number of the names on the Cenotaph outside the Borden-Carleton Legion had been members of this church, we made sure that they were featured in the presentation.

These included:

• Arthur Leigh COLLETT (WW1)
• Henry Warburton STEWART (WW1)
• Ernest Murray NORTON (WW2)
• William Douglas SHERREN (WW2)

Reverend Margaret Collins introduced Pieter, tying in Pieter’s research to remembrance. Among the audience members were several families of the names on the Cenotaph, which made the event very special. Many brought photos and letters, which will increase our knowledge of the lives of these men.  Families in attendance represented the following men:

• Arthur Leigh COLLETT  (WW1)
• Elmer Allister MABEY (WW2)
• Joseph Charles MCIVER (WW2)
• Ernest Murray NORTON (WW2)
• Arthur Clinton ROBINSON  (WW1)
• William Douglas SHERREN (WW2)
• George Preston SMITH (WW2)
• John Lyman WOOD  (WW1)

Pieter at the podium at St John the Evangelist Anglican Church in Crapaud. (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

The presentation was well received, with refreshments provided by the Church afterwards, where people could speak with Pieter and each other. Hazel Robinson of the Tryon & Area Historical Society accepted donations to the “Muttart Memorial Fund”.

One person who attended commented afterwards that “I was there to hear more info on Lyman Wood, an ancestor. So pleased to see an interest, amazing to me to see someone speak of him 100 years on. Wood family is very proud of him. I did get to Vimy Ridge in 2007 for 90th, and found his name as well, pretty awesome.  I love Canadian military history, just love the stories, good and bad. Really enjoyed your presentation.  Thanks for all the amazing work that you have done!”

Pieter with the family of WW2 soldier George Preston Smith. (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

Pieter with Reid (left) and Bruce (right) Norton, nephews of WW2 soldier Ernest Murray Norton. (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

Pieter with Charlie Sherren, nephew of WW2 soldier William Douglas Sherren. (Photo credit: Daria Valkenburg)

Our thanks to Reverend Margaret Collins and Connie MacKinnon of St. John the Evangelist Anglican Church for inviting Pieter to speak, and for their warm hospitality in making this event the success it was.

If you would like Pieter to come and speak about the Cenotaph Research Project, he is open to receiving invitations.  Email him at dariadv@yahoo.ca.

Photos are still needed for many of the names on the Cenotaph outside the Borden-Carleton Legion, so please dig out those old albums and take a look.  You can share your photos, comments, or stories by emailing us at dariadv@yahoo.ca or by commenting on this blog.

Donations are still being collected towards the ‘Muttart Memorial Fund’ for a memorial panel in Wons, The Netherlands.  If you would like to donate, cheques may be written out to TAHS and mailed to Tryon & Area Historical Society (TAHS), PO Box 38, Crapaud PE C0A 1J0.  In the subject line, identify your cheque as being for the “Muttart Memorial Fund”.  A charitable donation receipt will be sent to all donors. 

If you wish to donate and you live in Europe:  Bank transfers may be made to Stichting Missing Airmen Memorial Foundation, Bank Account # (IBAN) NL35ABNA0569579856, and state in the subject line “Attn D.S. Drijver for Halifax L9561”.

 © Daria Valkenburg