Summer tapered to autumn, bringing with it a different mix of guests to the mansion. Though the tourism season gradually eased off, special events drew an interesting blend of individuals seeking that unique experience. Recently, we have had the pleasure of hosting various groups from within our home Province. We often refer to them as ‘locals,' those with whom we share a common ground. Maritimers' are famous for hospitality, and as guests, are no less than gracious.

September brought with it the Red Hat Ladies from the Valley area; an International social organization of young-hearted women whose mission is to have fun. After years of shouldering responsibilities and caring for others, their mandate is to nurture their own spirits, doing so by experiencing as much as life has to offer. They lit up the Mansion with their bold attire of red and purple. Their stay included a candlelight dinner, after which various games were enjoyed by the group.

October was spent preparing for the Annual Halloween parties, with a few events in between. In his spare time, Bob harvested pumpkins from the vegetable garden, as well as zucchini and cucumbers This kept the Mrs. busy in the kitchen baking goodies for the guests (and employees I might add) and canning preserves for the winter.

The Annual Psychic Fair, initiated by Robyn MacKenzie fifteen years ago, was held during the first weekend of October. We were blessed with a fresh assortment of readers this year, many of whom read for the first time. A big thank you goes out to all of the psychics who participated. We look forward to your return next year.

Trivia with Phil Demille brought forty guests for an evening of dinner and trivia. Tables of various teams scattered throughout the dining room and parlor, racking their brains for trivia answers.

Harold and Wendy Nesbitt, publishers of the Motorcycle Tour Guide of Nova Scotia paid us a visit the weekend of the 20th. On that same night, four ladies from the Halifax region joined us, one of whom has traveled to Salem Mass for Halloween for the past twenty-five years. We were informed that she came from a family of witches, and after an evening of gut-wrenching laughter and spell-binding humor, we believed her. That following week, Harold and Wendy wrote about their visit in their Thursday column, Lets Ride, of the Chronicle Herald.

October 27th and 28th were the dates of the Halloween costume parties. Piles of decorations were retrieved from the attic, and in keeping with previous years, the mansion was fully decorated, inside and out. As in previous years, Gert's home-cooking filled a long table in the dining room.

Doors were opened to celebrate the 25th Anniversary. Friends of the mansion gathered in the living room for a trip down memory lane. Approximately twenty guests were present for an evening of story-telling and reminiscing. You could hear a pin drop as one by one, individuals relayed how they happened to stumble upon the Mansion. One guest told how she played on the grounds as a little girl, and on one occasion, even broke in. She is one of the few people who can honestly say " Bob, I was here before you." And rub it in she does! Thank you to all who sent greetings in one way or another. A special thanks to Joanne Tingle from Delaware for the beautiful bouquet of flowers.

Guests from Digby and surrounding area were guests for a murder mystery night in November. They were the first group to act out our newest mystery based on the Churchill family. Of course the story has been garnished with fictional characters and events, but facts were threaded throughout to make an interesting drama. Many with cameras were excited to take pictures dotted with orbs.

One guest in particular, from the Halifax area, was so intrigued by her first visit to the Mansion that she was inspired to write the following:

The Churchill: The Mystery Manor of Darling Lake

High on a hill sits a mansion white,
bathed in history and orbs of light,
where restless travelers feel at home
and astral beings come to roam.

With views panoramic from its widow's walk, one can hear the spirits talk
as, gazing out on Darling Lake,
the house itself seems wide awake.

It lives and breathes like you and I,
with palpable energy in each creak and sigh; its country charm a brave façade
for happenings most peculiar and odd.

Stained glass panes cast a colourful glow over relics of a maritime hero
who toiled along the Fundy shore
and anchored in our seafaring lore.

Within this vortex, Churchill stands tall, his master's visage overlooking the hall; a family legacy alive and well
through mystic believers who dare to tell.

A stoic manor with mysteries to share
and ancient secrets it's destined to bear, here lies a place that time once forgot but whose supernatural dwellers had not.

Amidst its garden exotic and free,
old souls unite by the magnolia tree, for high on a hill sits a mansion white,
bathed in history and orbs of light.
 

We Need You

Producers of Rescue Mediums are still searching for haunted properties in the Southwestern region of the Province. If you or anyone you know lives in a haunted house and would like to share your story, by all means contact the Mansion.

Also, keep those pictures of orbs coming. Book production is underway and we are working towards a possible spring publishing date. It is not too late to submit stories. Keep those cards and letters coming.

Monthly Gathering of Like Minds

The group gathered in November to watch The Secret, an interesting documentary-style presentation which focuses on the Law of Attraction. We were so inspired by the many revelations that it was decided upon to meet in November to discuss how the film affected us on an individual basis. The general consensus was that we do indeed create our own realities with our mind-sets. For a glimpse into The Secret, visit www.thesecret.tv 

Many thanks to Debbie for her time spent organizing past gatherings, and thanks to all who have supported this endeavor by way the knowledge and insights brought to the group. Next meeting date will be sent via email.

Paranormal News

In regards to Rescue Mediums, in January, the series starts on We Network in the USA, and very shortly, on Discovery in the UK. Other confirmed countries include Sweden, Singapore, Thailand and in the works are France, Germany, Holland, Brazil, Australia, Italy, Ireland. The second season of the series begins on W Network in Canada on January 7th. Air-dates can be confirmed at www.wnetwork.com 

The Last Word

Churchill Mansion is winding down for 2006, at which time we would like to thank those who were instrumental in contributing to our success. It has been another wonderful year, peppered with memories to be placed in the history bank for years to come.

As we close the door on 2006, we anticipate the coming year. We here at the mansion are taking a winter sabbatical from the regular routine, but will resume our work behind the scenes. Keep posted to News from the Cupola.

Feel free to drop by to see our 12-ft Christmas tree, transported from the beautiful village of Bear River in the trunk of Bob's Chevy Malibu. On a good day you will find the Mrs. in the kitchen doing what she does best, and the Mr. scurrying about looking busy.

We at The Mansion wish you all a very jolly Christmas, and look forward to seeing you in the New Year. Drive carefully, stay safe, and by all means keep in touch.

CHEERS!

Bob and Angela

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