~ May 2010 Edition~ Contributing Editors: Ernie and Carol Trischuk ~
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~ May 2010 Edition ~ Contributing Editors: Ernie and Carol Trischuk ~ |
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THE
PROBUS CLUB President Past President Vice President Secretary Treasurer Ian Doig 613-264-2707 and Glen Pettinger 613-267-9747 Special Events Membership Member at Large Facilities Webmaster |
Pro-bites.....
Probus Perth lost two long-standing members last month, and our May meeting began with short tributes. Glen Pettinger spoke of Jaffrey Wilkins’ full and interesting life, and Ian Doig spoke of Peter Code’s many contributions to Probus and to life in the Perth community.
The June 2nd Probus meeting will feature a talk by Jim Gilpin concerning his experiences flying with the Canadian and British Royal Air Force 100 Bomber Group out of Britain during World War II. His group conducted a very extensive program of counter intelligence against the enemy, one aspect of which was to protect the Bombers against enemy fighter planes by electronic means. Jim will also talk about his work with Defense Research Board and its contribution to the war effort. As another Probus season wraps up, we face some vacancies on the Management Team. Dan Murphy has agreed to stand as candidate for Vice President, but we still need a Newsletter Editor. If you can help in this regard, please speak to Bruce Gourley or Ernie Trischuk. The usual call for ten monthly Contributing Editors will be made at the June meeting, so be prepared to volunteer for one session of easy note-taking. As well, if you would be willing to take on the organization of a special event next year or wish to suggest an event, please speak to Mary Kilgour or Glen Pettinger. Don't forget the trip to Gananoque on May 27th and the Annual Golf Tournament, Book Exchange and Dinner on June 21st. See Special Events for more information.
Life on the Battlefield with the Redcoats
By Carol Trischuk
In honour of the annual Perth Regional Heritage Fair which coincided with our May meeting, we welcomed father and son military re-enactors Keith and Graham Lindsey. While both appeared in the uniforms of British military personnel, Keith represented a Corporal of the Canadian Fencibles circa 1812, while Graham represented a member of the Loyalist Fife and Drum Corp circa 1776. Both of these re-enactment groups participated in the Perth 175th Cemetery Re-dedication Weekend last year.
Keith Lindsey demonstrated the items of apparel of which his uniform consisted, as well as the various layers of equipment carried by each man. In addition to the musket itself, soldiers carried a cartridge belt, bayonet, personal effects haversack and a water canteen. |
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An experienced rifleman requires 20 – 25 seconds to reload the musket after every shot, and Keith demonstrated his skill while son Graham held the stopwatch. Graham put his musical talent to good use throughout the presentation, first by marching in several PDCI history students who had been invited to enjoy this presentation with us, and later in the program, to illustrate how fifes, drums and bugles were used to convey orders through the encampments, as well as to rouse the troops to battle. He gave us a delightful rendition of Washington’s Artillery March on the fife, and then played the more limited bugle accompaniment of the same piece separately (difficult for one musician to play them simultaneously!). The bugle’s limited range confines it primarily to short salutes (Taps, Reveille, etc.) and to staging commands. Graham also described the construction and tuning of his drum, with a single piece of cord holding it all together. An animated Q and A session followed the presentation, and continued into the Legion parking lot. 
Speakers' Corner
Management Team Notes
www.perthentertainmentnow.net |
 New member Barb Hewitt welcomed by Pres. Bruce Gourley and Co-Membership Coordinator David Crowley |
