Experiencing Saint Andrews Series
It was time for Les and for Holly (nee Mitchell) Johnston to come home. Holly was brought up in Saint Andrews. Les was a New Brunswicker who hailed up north in Denmark. They met at University of New Brunswick (UNB). Upon completion of their studies Les went on to be ordained as a United Church minister. Holly took on various roles in school administration.
Les became a military chaplain. This required them being on the move to a variety of military postings. They can recount having to move and relocate 19 times during his military career. Whew! A visit to Holly’s family home was always a welcome break throughout their busy work lives. And they were busy for a couple who combined work with volunteering in the locales where Les was posted.
When it was time to retire coming home to St. Andrews to share the Mitchell family home with Holly’s mother was an obvious choice. Settling into retirement and small- town living was an adjustment. The pace of living in a small town, although relaxing, was slower. Saint Andrews is an iconic heritage town with an inevitable cliquish culture among some residents who are life-long residents with families have been intertwined for generations.
However, Saint Andrews, like many small towns in the Maritimes is experiencing an influx of new residents who are attracted to the active community culture. People are friendly and if you reside in the town proper, as they do, that “15 minute walk” along Water Street to get what you need includes smiles and hellos from those neighbours you encounter.
Both Les and Holly have been active volunteers in the communities they’ve lived in throughout their married lives. Les is involved in two church committees in the town. Holly is very active in one church committee.
Les, has always had an artistic flair. He’s discovered a passion for stained glass artistry and has been taking stained glass lessons from my wife. He’s already producing his own pieces. Holly loves crafting and has become active in the Linus project making blankets for children in need as well as rug hooking.
Both are avid cribbage players and would be interested in joining and working with a group to set up a Saint Andrews Cribbage Club. Interested?
by John G. Kelly john@activeretirement.ca johngkelly.ca