Clyde River Photo Book Launched

[slideshow]It was certainly a busy week for Clyde River with the publicity leading up to the launch of Clyde River’s very own photo book, Landscape of Memories, featuring landscapes and historical captions of our beautiful community. Almost 100 books have already been sold, so if you are interested in having a copy of this limited edition visual treasure of 176 full-colour photos, you better order your copy soon. As book buyers had a chance yesterday to purchase this much-anticipated book, there were audible “wow’s” heard around the room as they saw their beautiful properties and scenes presented. Quite a few people were taking the opportunity to buy extras for Christmas presents.

An effort such as this takes a great team to put together. Emily was the coach and leader of the project. Vivian Beer provided the photography and writing for this her very first book. Audrey MacPhee and Carol Richards from Clyde River Women’s Institute worked closely with Vivian on reviewing the outline, photos and proofreading. The seniors of the community and Vivian were a close team throughout the process, meeting at the Riverview Community Centre and as she moved from property to property taking photos and hearing stories. The seniors were a solid resource of information and wonderful hosts.

Vivian’s sister, Doreen, who is well experienced in book making was an invaluable resource as the book was coming together. Technomedia provided a design that takes you on a seamless visual journey through the book. Kwik Kopy provided the highest quality of printing and customer service that we could have wished for.

Emily Bryant thanked the New Horizons for Seniors Program for their funding that made this project possible and challenged other Women’s Institute Institutes across PEI to consider creating a similar visual treasure for their communities.

Emily stated, “We are so pleased to say that this book was fully produced by Island companies, Technomedia and Kwik Kopy.” Shawn MacKenzie the president of Kwik Kopy in Charlottetown who was in attendance yesterday has a connection to Clyde River. His great great grandparents Darrachs lived on the river-side property prominently featured in the book, a property now owned by Sidney Poritz.

In Vivian’s speech, she said, “The theme that came across again and again in the development of this book was stewardship…stewardship of our history, stories and our land.”

She went on to say, “My wish is that you enjoy looking through these pages and you feel as honoured as me to have such good fortune in life to have lived or be connected through heritage to this beautiful community. And for those from other communities, my wish is for you to feel the rich spirit of place that your community has given you.”

President of the Clyde River Women’s Institute Betty Watts talked about how pleased they were to take on this project and to see the wonderful book that can be passed on to future generations.

Carol Connick, representing the PEI Women’s Institute, talked about the importance of capturing community history. She said that next year will be the 150 Anniversary of Women’s Institute in PEI and this type of project is a great example of what could be achieved across PEI.

Doug Gillespie representing the Community Council of Clyde River spoke about how pleased the council were with this initiative of the Clyde River Women’s Institute featuring the beauty of Clyde River.

In case you didn’t get a chance to hear and read this week’s coverage on the book, here are links to the interviews with Vivian.

Link to Vivian Beer’s CBC Radio interview: Click here.

Link to article in The Guardian: Click here.

Order your book soon. Books are $25. Books can be ordered by:

• Contacting any member of the Clyde River Women’s Institute
• Emailing Emily Bryant at eabryant@pei.sympatico.ca
• Emailing the author/photographer Vivian Beer at vivian@merdock.com
• Sending an email through our contact page here on our website – Link here.
• Dropping by Cornwall Pharmacy or Danny Gass’ store.

In addition, the CRWI is also selling tickets on a very beautiful gallery wrap (digital photo printed onto framed canvas produced by Kwik Kopy). The size is 3 ft. x 2 ft. The scene features the front cover of the Landscape of Memories book. Tickets can be purchased by Clyde River Women’s Institute members at $5 each. The draw for the gallery photo will be December 4th, 2012.