I’ve talked before about the small wave of modern day “pioneers” who settled in the Dunvegan area in the 1970s and early 1980s. Part of a so called back-to-the-land movement, these refugees from away dabbled in the agricultural arts and, in so doing, provided hours of mirth and merriment for the local, full-time farmers. However, they also infused the community with a new vibrancy as they embraced life in their adopted home. Determined to contribute, they became involved in the church, recreation association, Women’s Institute, the Dunvegan museum, a Farm Wives group for “hobby farm widows” and a raft of other organizations. And, over time, they left their mark. Sadly though, time is running out for this generation of urban immigrants. Indeed, this past week, Dunvegan lost another well respected member of this group: James William “Bill” Calder.
As I recounted in a recent column, Bill and Peggi purchased Donald Ivor MacLeod’s farm just west of the Dunvegan crossroads and proceeded to raise beef cattle, chickens and turkeys. Not necessarily in that order. However, hobby farming was not a reliable source of income for a growing family. So Bill continued to ply his trade. And after more than forty years in the heating, ventilation and air conditioning industry under his belt, what Bill didn’t know about HVAC systems wasn’t worth knowing. In fact, in the latter years of his career became a certified instructor and helped countless heating and cooling trades people upgrade their skills. As a testament to Bill’s depth of experience, I offer the air conditioning system he and his team installed for our office-in-a-barn. After nearly 25 years of making the three storey, timber framed, tin roofed structure habitable, it is still chugging along.
Bill passed away Tuesday evening, June 12, 2018. As Peggi described it to me, “Even though it was a six year battle, it was only four difficult days at the end. He was peaceful and without pain and Kathie and Byron (their two children) were both there.” Unfortunately, Peggi was not at his bedside. She was in hospital recovering from emergency surgery. People have asked me how she’s holding up, so I asked her. Here is her reply, “I’m doing fine – tired and trying to get back some strength.”
Ever his own man, even to the end, Bill achieved what many of us wish for… to die peacefully in our own home in the company of loved ones. A celebration of Bill’s life will be held in the DRA Hall in early August. Rest in peace, Bill.
A 3D future
The Dunvegan Recreation Association’s “Saturday Night at the Movies” event will pack a whole new punch when it starts up again in the fall. Local movie fans will now be treated to a near-theatre experience thanks to a brand new video projection system the DRA has just installed. Louise Quenneville, who sits on the DRA Executive Committee, volunteered to coordinate the upgrade project. And she has done an impressive job.
For the projector, Louise recommended the Epson Home Cinema 2100, a three LCD projector that boasts a 2,500 lumens output. That’s bright enough to handle the often less than ideal lighting conditions at the hall.
To complement the powerful new projector, Louise also recommended replacing the screen. The TygerClaw projector screen she chose promises an exceptional reflective surface for watching sporting events and movies or playing video games. Plus, unlike the present screen, the new unit provides a flat projection surface by evenly distributing the screen’s tension. The annoying ripples we have had to accept until now should be a thing of the past.
To round out the system, Louise is also having a Sony Slimline 1080p Upscaling DVD player installed. Not only will this save Bob Garner having to bring his DVD unit from home for each flick, it should have a real impact on picture quality. According to the literature, the new player “upscales” the quality of standard DVDs to a razor sharp, full HD resolution… so that onscreen movement is smooth and crystal clear.
It also appears that, if the video disc being played supports it, the new system is 3D compatible. All that the DRA has to add are the magic glasses and audiences will be enjoying 3D movies in downtown Dunvegan. Wow.
While all this might seem a bit excessive for a simple “movie night” event, I suspect the real benefit will be the host of other events this technology makes possible. When combined with the hall’s terrific new sound system and it’s high-speed internet connection, the historic building becomes the perfect venue for groups to watch key sporting events, musical concerts, operas, theatre performances and the like… all without having to drive hours to a city. Well done, Louise and the DRA.
Not his turn…
While gleaning historical nuggets of Dunvegan’s history from past issues of the Glengarry News, I came across an amusing tale in the June 14, 1918 edition under the headline “Not His Turn.” While not strictly a Dunvegan-specific item, I trust my censors will allow me to share it with you. It’s a perfect embodiment of the old-time, self-effacingrural spirit one still sees glimpses of in this community.
Apparently, a World War I officer was bidding goodbye to one of his men who had been awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal(DCM) and who had, as a reward, been granted ten days’ leave. The article purports to record the conversation between this 1918 medal winner and his superior officer.
“Well, corporal,” said the officer, “it’s a proud mother that’ll be waiting to greet you when you get home this time.”
“What’ll she be proud for?” queried the corporal, with a puzzled expression.
“Of your medal, of course,” Was the answer.
“But I don’t think she knows. I’ve got it, sir,” said the corporal.
“What! Haven’t you told her?”
“Well, no, sir. You see it wasn’t my turn to write.”
In case you wondered if the DCM was a big deal, it was. Queen Victoria established the medal in 1854 for bravery in the field of battle. It is the oldest British award for gallantry and was a second level military decoration, until it was discontinued in 1993.
-30-