Literary Rambles with Steve Luxton.
Anyone who has heard Steve speak knows he has the gift of a silver tongue, spinning stories and poetry with an inimitable British accent. But did you know he’s an amateur naturalist, and a nature walker since his early childhood in England? In short, he’s the perfect sauntering companion, revealing nature and history in a poetic light.

Steve Luxton of Hatley is the Lennoxville Library’s poet in residence, and this summer he’s leading a series of Literary Rambles in the Estrie, including our part of it. He was in the Johnsville Bog last month. On August 22, he’ll be at the Louis Dudek house in Way’s Mills to share the 20th century writer’s story and poetry. On September 5, it’s on to Bury where his talk will take a Scottish slant.

The rambles are really more of a stroll in the heart and mind, while participants’ bodies leisurely sit at the bard’s feet.
On August 8, I joined his small group in the cemetery just behind the Green in Hatley Village. We strolled past the gravestones to sit together beneath a spreading maple.

There he regaled us with excerpts from and revelations about the “Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard,” by British poet Thomas Gray, published in 1751. A lament for the common man whose talents go unseen, Gray’s Elegy is still frequently quoted today.

In Gray’s days, it was the most popular poem in English. Before the battle at the Plains of Abraham, British General James Wolfe was heard to say he would have preferred to be the author of the Elegy than to be victorious. So the story goes. Soon after, Wolfe died: Maybe his mind was on that possibility.

Luxton also treated us to his reply to Gray’s Elegy. His is a contemporary poem in free verse, inspired by the very graveyard in which we were sitting. It mentions a monstrous manure spreader, a “deer’s slim legged and round bellied silhouette,” and “Old Man Drew” who died when his ride-on mower rolled down a slope.
We were enthralled. The two cemeteries, one in 1751, one in 2021, seemed to merge.

To see a video of Steve’s talk, edited by John Mackley, visit ArtsUnaean.ca.
Luxton’s Literary Rambles begin at 4 p.m., all ages welcome. The Lennoxville Library has limited participation to 12 persons. Sign up in advance to receive the exact meeting location and details at https://bibliolennoxvillelibrary.ca/activities/, and scroll all the way down to “adult activities.” Or call 819-562-4949.
LOCAL MARKETS
Here’s your passport to our local farmers’ markets. Clip it and keep it.
First, in Westbury, the public market is at the Town Hall, 166 Route 112, on Thursdays at 4 to 6:30 p.m. until August 29.
Next, the village market of Sawyerville at the Community Garden, 70 Randboro Road, is on Saturdays at 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. until September 25.
Third, Dudswell’s market is at 167 Main Street, Bishopton, at 9 a.m. to noon until September 18.
Over in Lingwick, the Marché de la petite école is at 60 Route 108 on Fridays from 4 to 7 p.m. until September 10.
Catch the public market in La Patrie under the wooden shelter (l’abri-bois) on Chapleau Street, on Friday, August 20 and September 3, from 4 to 7 p.m.
And new in our area is the farmers’ market at the Canterbury Cultural Centre at the corner of Route 214 and Canterbury Road. This market began during the recent Flea Market in support of the Cultural Centre, and is continuing on Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., until August 28. Harmony Farms (Route 108 near Card Road) is among the contributors.
CANTERBURY FLEAS
By the way, both the Canterbury farmers’ market and the flea market were “a great success. Thank you!” said Ed Pedersen. The Bury Historical & Heritage Society made well over $2000 for the Canterbury Cultural Centre.
SAWYERVILLE YOGA
Myrna Lowry plans to lead a new 10-week session of yoga in Sawyerville on Tuesdays at 10 a.m., beginning September 14. Distancing and mask protocols are to be followed when not stationed on a properly distanced yoga mat. The exact location is to be announced. To register: Myrna at 819-875-5393 or myrnamac44@gmail.com.
COOKSHIRE ART GALLERY
The Hors Zone exhibit of painters André Philibert, Odette Gauvreau, and Frédéric Lapointe is coming to an end. Their deliciously diverse work is at the Cookshire-Eaton Art Gallery’s Victoria Hall, 125 Principale W., Cookshire, until September 5, open Thursday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
COOKSHIRE ARTISANS’ BOUTIQUE
Artisans’ creations are for sale at the Maison de la Culture John-Henry-Pope boutique, 45 Principale W., and is open Thursday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., until September 5.
CHURCHES
Baptist. In-person Sunday services are with Covid-19 protocols in place (distancing; masks can be removed when sitting down; wear masks when singing, etc.). The service in French is at 9 a.m., and in English at 11 a.m. Persons with flu symptoms are asked not to attend services. The pastor’s message is also available on YouTube: For the link, contact Pastor Michel Houle at 819-239-8818.
Anglican. Bishop Bruce Myers continues to offer Home Prayers at 10:30 a.m. Sundays on Facebook, and at quebec.anglican.ca (Worship Videos). Info: 819-887-6802, or quebec.anglican.ca.
United. Rev Tami is away for holidays from August 16 to 31. For pastoral care, please call Ms. Virginia Wallace at 450-521-4889.
The United Eaton Valley Pastoral Charge will have an in-person joint service on Sunday, September 12, at 10:30 a.m. at Trinity United Church. Proof of vaccines must be shown at door, and masks are mandatory. Please use the ramp door. If you are feeling unwell, please do not attend. Paper and digital copies of the service will be available after the service. Info: 819-452-3685.
Do you have news to share? Call 819-300-2374 or email rawrites@gmail.com by August 23 for publication September 1st or by September 6 for September 15.