Gladys McCarthy is a scientist, a chocolatier, an entrepreneur, owner of “Glad’s Chocolates”, a barn dance host, and a drummer! I meet Gladys in her idyllic setting just outside of Kindersley, Saskatchewan. Gladys returned to the family farm where she lives a very fulfilling life.
Kindersley resident Eleanor Smith shares her stories of an inspiring teacher, her own career as an educator, stories of a tragic murder, and a mysterious rock. Eleanor is an historian, and a lover of words.
Deer and antelope play, telephones made from barbed wire fences and toy electric chairs that work! These are some of the stories you’ll hear from my two guests Bud Thomson (not Anderson! sorry Bud! Electric chair for the host?), and Bill Warrington as we wind our way through the farmlands of Alsask and Loverna, SK in a truck.
Over a dozen men from Kindersley and area join me for an hour of great fun as we reminisce about the good old days.
Born of previous musical events in the area, this year launches the premier of the Radisson Music Festival. A vision fully realized by my second guest, Radisson town councillor and musician Gerald Wiebe. My first guest is a fresh new musician on the Saskatchewan music landscape. At 18 years old, Avery Fairbrother has caught the eye (and ears) of the towns of Borden, Radisson and beyond. He’s ambitious, smart, articulate and great with numbers!
Myrna Dey is a Canadian author residing in Kamsack, SK. Her novel “Extensions” was voted “people’s choice” for the 2011 Scotia Bank Giller Prize. Myrna talks about the experiences that have influenced her writing – from growing up in a “bookish” household, to living in Saskatchewan, Alberta, Guyana, and more.
Esterhazy resident, Ralph May, proudly shows off one of Saskatchewan’s treasures which has received a National heritage designation – The Esterhazy flour mill. In the second part of this podcast, I’m joined by two other local residents, Jim and Ray, who share stories of growing up on a farm during some of the most difficult years of the depression, and the joy to be found in living the simple life.
Florie Gray is Esterhazy’s second oldest citizen as of 2014 and she joins me in her first podcast recording ever. Florie takes me on trip down memory lane, discusses how the world has changed since she was young, sings her favourite song for me, and experiences her first “selfie”!
Jim Harding, the mayor of Fort San, shares his early artistic inspirations, his passion for the environment, and the story behind the new Qu’appelle Valley Centre for the Arts which finds a home in the 1911 Old Central School in Fort Qu’appelle.
This weeks SaskScapes podcast was recorded in Fort Qu’appelle’s Old Central School. This grand piece of architecture was slated for demolition in 2011. You’ll hear my guest Doreen Evans share the story of when she cornered Jim Harding, the mayor of Fort San, in a local coffee shop and said “Jim, you’ve got to help save the school”. You’ll also hear my other guest, Jack Lowe share stories of being a student in the school.
The great news is that the school was saved, and is now home to the Fort Qu’appelle Centre for the Arts. I had a chance to tour the building and the work they are doing is remarkable. The dedicated committee is making every attempt to maintain the original interior fixtures where possible.
There are big plans for this centre, which will house dance studios, rehearsal, performance and gallery spaces as well as visual arts workshops. There is a call for emerging and established artists and craftspeople to come and show their work on either a short-term or long-term basis.
The team is so committed to bringing this vision to life, that a few dedicated souls are donating their time and skills to do some of the renovations themselves.
This is a true community effort, all in the name of creative arts.
In the next SaskScapes podcast you’ll have an opportunity to hear my conversation with mayor Jim Harding who shares with me how this dream began, and the plans for the future. I’m always so excited when I learn that Saskatchewan has a new arts centre for all to enjoy.