Memories of a Boy Growing Up in Blackville

By Pat Fournier | March 9, 2014 |

Pat Fournier was born and raised in Blackville. In a series of short stories, Pat will share his memories of the place, of the people and of his life as a boy growing up in Blackville. In this first installment, Pat sets the scene of his childhood neighbourhood. An Introduction Written by Pat Fournier This…

Read More

Blackville School Crowns Winter Carnival Royalty

By Les McLaughlin | March 4, 2014 |

Last week Blackville School held their 2014 Winter Carnival Pageant. Over two hundred people packed the school gymnasium to watch as twelve female high school students participated in the annual event. The contestants completed a question and answer session as well as a talent component. Many of the contestants sang while others performed dance or…

Read More

Burned Out – A short story by Pat Fournier

By Les McLaughlin | February 28, 2014 |
Standing in what is left of our home: Terrence Walls with his hand on Eric Underhill’s shoulder, Jim MacKenzie, Michael McLaughlin, and Dale MacKenzie. You can see our swing tree in the back yard, and a pile of firewood by the back fence.

In 1957, nine year old Pat Fournier witnessed his family home burn down. In the short story below, Pat shares his memories of that time and how the family of seven overcame a tragic loss to have one of their best Christmases ever. Burned Out Written by Pat Fournier January 31, 1957 – nine years…

Read More

Another Year Wiser

By Les McLaughlin | February 22, 2014 |

Back in 2006 I was involved in a project that’s goal was to pay tribute to the local men and women who served our country during times of war.  The project, which was a book called Remembering Our Veterans, was a joint venture between the Blackville Access Centre and members of the community.  One of…

Read More

Blackville School Hosts Annual Basketball Challenge

By Les McLaughlin | February 15, 2014 |

On Monday, February 10th, Blackville School hosted the Third Annual Eagle/Cobra Challenge. The action-packed event featured both the Blackville senior high girls and boys teams facing off against their respective North and South Esk Regional teams.

First up, the senior girls game saw the Blackville Eagles defeated by the NSER Cobras with a score of 50-26. The Blackville High School boys team defeated the North and South Esk Regional boys in a close game with a final score of 74-70.

Read More

Huge Turnout for Village Skating Party

By Les McLaughlin | February 2, 2014 |

The Blackville Outdoor Rink community skating party drew a large crowd on Friday night, January 31. Over one hundred children took to the ice for the free three-hour event sponsored by the Recreation Council. Inside, the building was filled to capacity with parents and children alike. Blackville mayor Andrew Hawkes, deputy mayor Matt Sturgeon and councillors Cindy Ross and Christopher Hennessy welcomed the group. Southwest Miramichi MLA Jake Stewart was also in attendance.

Read More

Women’s Institute Christmas Craft & Bake Sale a Success

By Les McLaughlin | November 10, 2013 |

The Women’s Institute Christmas Craft and Bake Sale has become a highlight of the Christmas shopping season in Blackville. The annual event, held yesterday at the Blackville Community Centre, was a huge success with lots of shoppers out looking to get a head-start on their Christmas shopping. Over a dozen vendors were on hand, selling…

Read More

Andrew Hawkes Sworn in as Blackville’s New Mayor

By Les McLaughlin | November 9, 2013 |

Andrew Hawkes was sworn-in on Friday as Blackville’s new mayor, replacing interim mayor Matt Sturgeon who held the position since May. Sturgeon returns to his previous position as councillor and deputy mayor. Hawkes won a commanding mandate in last week’s election by garnering 72% of the vote. He took the oath of office in a…

Read More