Update on Al Purdy A-Frame

 Posting from the Al Purdy A-Frame Association newsletter yesterday. I drove to Ameliasburgh in late summer when the project looked extremely daunting. So it was a pleasant surprise to get this email update from Jean Baird yesterday!   

December 18, 2024   Double, Double   Looking back at 2024 it has been a year of surprises and great opportunities.   Because of the significant work happening at the A-frame there was not the usual coming and going of poets and writers but, as reported in earlier newsletters, we did organize a number of events locally and online including workshops, readings, literary walks and a song-writing workshop.   But our focus has been the Foundation Project at the A-frame. You will recall that the Purdys built on the flood plain and that over the years moisture had taken a toll so the decision was made to raise the house and put a proper foundation under to preserve the building. Our most ambitious fundraising campaign was launched with a target of $300,000.   After we successfully raised a good portion of that target, and with discussions with the contractor, we realized that raising the house would also create the opportunity to winterize and thereby extend our season. The fundraising target was revised to $330,000, a goal that was met (with some pledges) in spring 2024 and work began in July. Up, up it went. The Flying A-frame And the writing shed also soars   Then the next opportunity was revealed. With the house raised there was the option, instead of a 1.5M crawlspace (the original plan), to create a full basement that once finished would be useable. Double the floorspace.   We reviewed the implications and the budget. Double the space and double the residency season. How could we say no? The commitment was made and the basement was created. The A-frame on its new foundation New basement Work will be ongoing through April 2025 and the new basement will have as much finishing as our budget allows. Some things—for example, cabinetry, archival storage space—may need to be deferred until a later date when funds become available. If you make end of the year donations, please consider the A-frame. As you can see in the photos, the building is now on its new foundation so the place will be dry and protected for years to come. But we still need to raise funds to finish that newly-acquired basement. Windows in, and the start of the upper tier of the new deck Sometimes people make donations to note an important event. Recently many have donated in Celebration of Eurithe Purdy's 100th birthday. Since the announcement of the Steven Heighton Fellowship donations have been made in his memory. That guy was much loved.   Or you could make a donation in Celebration of Al Purdy’s birthdate, December 30, 1918.   In times of turmoil we need the Arts more than ever.   Thanks for your interest and support. https://www.alpurdy.ca/donate/   Merry Christmas!  Hanukkah Sameach!  Joyous Kwanzaa!  Blessed Yule!  Happy Boxing Day!  Dōngzhì Kuàilè!  Feliz Navidad!  Yoi Otoshi o!  Feliz Día de Reyes!   HAPPY NEW YEAR   Copyright © 2024 Al Purdy A-frame Association, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you have supported the Al Purdy A-frame Association. Our mailing address is: Al Purdy A-frame Association 401--4542 West 10th Ave., Vancouver, BC V6R 2J1 Canada Add us to your address book Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list. email to local friends How’re you guys doing? I  keep pretty quiet over the hols - actually most of the time now. Been keeping a regular schedule and going to bed at 11 after watching a DVD every night. Last night I fell asleep just after 11 and then a tapping sound awoke me. Didn’t have the energy to investigate, but wonder if you came by to visit?  Watched the 3 part Lord of the Rings a week ago, and then binge watched the entire TV series Ted Lasso this week about a soccer team in England. It was filmed in my old hangout of Richmond on the Thames.  Been exchanging emails with a UK writer, Cassie Steward, who is writing a novel based on my memoir of those days in Richmond and Kingston, when I lived on Eel Pie Island. According to her my book is popular in the UK, although I don’t receive any royalties on it. Aargh  Went to Callaghan’s on Tuesday for a couple of hours. So far it looks like the barricades are keeping the ATVers out! Still the fallen tree on the path to the bridges, though. In the cold weather I was too stiff to bend under it and had to walk around. Growing old sucks!