Dear Citizens of Revelstoke,

I write to you in the deepest appreciation of having been invited to share in your celebrations of the 2009 Homecoming, 5 days in which I have never felt more at home anywhere in the world.

I had the opportunity to learn more about the CPR and its vital role in the unification of Canada, in the life of the province and of your beautiful town. The Railway Museum and The Revelstoke Museum and Archives bear witness to the history of the industry and skills that have seen Revelstoke through the 20th century. The Hydro Electric project has brought a source of power that is in tune with the needs of the 21st. Your sawmills are also contributing to a local ‘green power’ supply.

I have no doubt that the development of your superb ski slopes will be vital to the future. In my days in Revelstoke I came to appreciate that your Mayor, David Raven, has the interest of all of you, the citizens, in the forefront of his thoughts from first to last. He has the understanding and energy to guide you through the years now facing us, which are indeed a tough challenge and an opportunity -- a cliché I cannot avoid, try as I might.

Although I enjoyed the drive from Calgary, I am determined that when I next see you, I shall arrive by train from Toronto and return by air from Kelowna or Calgary, reached also by train. There are some journeys on our planet where speed is the aim and others where one leg, the arrival or the way home, is best taken slowly in comfort, with a low carbon footprint and these days with a chance to work as in the office at a WiFi connected keyboard, see the passing scenery and arrive both refreshed and guilt-free.

I have been studying the Internet booking system which is succeeding in filling every seat on the EuroStar express that runs between London and Paris by balancing supply, demand and price. A package offering to the world a skiing break at Revelstoke, arriving by train from Toronto, Calgary or Kelowna, advertised and bookable online all over the world, would be fully subscribed.

It will take time to see this all happen, but I look forward to seeing you all in five years time, if we succeed!

Till then!

James Baring

Lord Revelstoke

Paraglider pilot was advised not to fly

Editor,

Although I only met the paraglider pilot who crashed on Saturday, the day before, I know that he was an experienced pilot who has flown in many different places. Why he chose to launch at the time that he did is a question that only he can answer. Luckily, we will have a chance to ask him, since his injuries, although serious, were not life threatening.

The Vancouver pilot who crashed was not part of the course that had been going on all week. He was advised by local and visiting pilots, as well as the school that was conducting lessons, not to fly. He was told that it was too windy, even before he launched.

The whole purpose of the course that was running at Mt. Mackenzie all week, is to teach pilots how to make safe flight decisions, and to practice advanced maneuvers in a safe controlled manner. At the time in question, the course shut down in response to changing wind conditions. All of the pilots on the course landed safely.

I have been flying Mt. Mackenzie regularly since 1997 and it is as safe a flying location as there is, as long as a pilot respects the weather and the limits of the aircraft.

Alan Polster

Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association of Canada

Advanced Rated, Instructor and Tandem Pilot

Community Band event a success

Editor,

The Revelstoke Community Band breathed new life into the band during a concert in the newly opened plaza extension on Saturday of the Homecoming weekend. The concert brought together current and former Community Band members and high-school students. It was a huge success, with the visiting band members stating that they would return to “do it again” at the next Homecoming! We appreciated the audience’ enthusiasm for the wide variety of music chosen by our musical director, John Baker. Thank you to the Rotary Club for the use of their tent to keep us cool. Special thanks to Jennefer Rogers and Luigi Lamacchia for the beautiful new sign. Of course, none of this would have been possible without the hard work of our dedicated band members. I would like to especially thank the following who helped make Saturday happen without a glitch. John Baker – conductor, Dennis Grey – for coming up with the idea and coordinating it, Landra Lamacchia – advertising/registration, Carl Laurence and crew – equipment, Bob/Joan Eley – for the use of their trailer, Wendy Lucas – music and every detail that we would have forgotten, Elaine Baird - website design. Community Band will commence practice on Tuesday, September 15 from 7:00-9:00 in the RSS Band Room. New members are always welcome. Contact Terry at (250) 837-6865 or visit our new website www.revelstokecommunityband.ca or registration information.

Terry Marshall

President

Revelstoke

Community Band