Prof Robert Shipley spoke today to an audience of about 50 people on why Canada is not a young country and that our heritage goes back thousands of years.  His talk in the Concert Hall at Victoria Hall was illuminating and full of interesting facts but was not as promoted.  It did not touch on tourism, culture or the economic benefits of Heritage.  Although intended to promote an interest in Heritage, the audience seemed to be mostly people already interested in history and/or heritage.  However, independent of the purpose, it was certainly of interest to many Canadians so below is a synopsis of his talk plus some comments on the connection between heritage and culture. Introduction The Chair of the… Read complete articleHeritage, Culture and Tourism

Compared to previous years, this year’s Cobourg Day at Monday’s Council meeting was a major upgrade.  The reason was that this year is the 150th anniversary of Canada so the emphasis is on history.  The usual things were done – a performance by the Town Crier, an invocation by the Chaplain (totally non-religious this year) and the appointment of a student as Mayor for the day.  But in addition, all Councillors and senior staff dressed for the occasion in typical 1867 costumes and re-enacted what might have been a Council meeting 150 years ago.  To avoid disrupting the usual Council meeting, the re-enactment started at 6:00 pm although it was recorded as a prequel to the usual Council meeting (see… Read complete articleCobourg Day – 2017

Today was a Scottish day in Cobourg. As well as a day for the kids to dress up for Halloween downtown, there were also the Cobourg Legion Pipes and Drums on parade and the Mayor announcing that Cobourg now has its own Tartan. The band marched up Third Street then performed outside Victoria Hall but then moved inside for the Mayor’s announcement. There was a good crowd probably mostly because of the DBIA’s Halloween event on the same day. Mayor Gil Brocanier was born in Scotland although he came to Canada at an early age so it was no surprise to see him wearing a kilt – see photos below. In his speech, the Mayor said: …..(Victoria Hall) was opened… Read complete articleUnique Tartan for Cobourg unveiled

Murdoch Mysteries author Maureen Jennings gave a talk at the Library on Saturday October 21st  as part of Ontario Public Library Week. This was fitting since Cobourg has been used as the occasional setting for filming of the TV series.  Maureen was promoting her latest book “Let Darkness Bury the Dead” and promised to sign any book purchased.  Port Hope’s Furby’s books handled the sales and promised to donate 10% of sales to the Library.  There were 50 people in the audience who heard Maureen speak not only about her new book but also about her experience collaborating with filming of the TV series which has now been running for 11 years.  She has co-written several episodes and even had… Read complete articleMaureen Jennings in Cobourg

Despite the early rain, quite a number of people turned out for the Harvest Festival today.  Certainly the Farmer’s market was busy although the number of booths on King Street seemed less than usual – see photos below.  Entertainment was limited – one duo, a square dance demonstration in the morning, axe throwing, word carving with a chain saw and pony rides.  The promised Alpacas could not come because of the rain although after a bad start, the rain did hold off for the rest of the day.  The street was decorated with scarecrows and pumpkins and the kids did seem to be having fun. This event was the last of a series through the year put on by the… Read complete articleHarvest Festival – 2017