Latest news with #WoodlandsSchool
Winnipeg Free Press
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Winnipeg Free Press
Let's make a long story short
St. Vital 'I would go past the Dak, into the sticks, catch the San at the loop and cross the power lines,' says Bill Peters, author of a collection of short stories entitled Long Stories Shortened. 'Most older St. Vitalers would understand that in the '60s you could cross the St. Vital Centre's parking lot, formerly a swamp, where you would reach Woodlands School to the right, off Woodlawn Avenue.' Back in those days, Peters delivered the community newspaper, The Lance . What he experienced as a young man is revealed in his stories. Supplied image William J. Peters' new collection Long Stories Shortened will be launched on Wednesday, May 21 at 6:30 p.m. at St. Amant (440 River Rd.). Some of Peters' first writings were obituaries. One for his dad, an aunt and his Uncle Lorne. While penning these, he discovered the emotional and creative side of his personality. He claims that 'as one gets older, the importance of personal communication became clearer.' Long Stories Shortened is Peters' first book and several of his nostalgic stories begin with him as a drummer. 'My self-confidence came through when I became a musician, playing at the local community club dances. I was 15,' he says. 'I was shy, and choosing the drums provided a safe place for me as I sought a quiet seat, where I could gaze over the crowd.' The group Bittersweet, followed by Phase 5, with which he played for four years, allowed him to wallow in the music business a young man. Fast forward to 2020, and a celebration of Peters' 60th birthday at the Park Theatre. He had retired after 30 years as communications director at the St. Boniface Hospital and picked up his drumsticks for a fundraiser called From and For the Heart as a way of paying it forward after recovering from a heart attack. The difference was that his shyness disappeared as he realized the girls from back in the '60s were also now in their 60s. 'If you have lived half your life in St. Vital, home has a sentimental meaning,' he says, and he reveals this in the stories and places he recalls. In, No Good Deed , for example, he writes about a neighbour who lived with her mom. On returning from driving in a snowstorm, Peters noticed broken branches had landed in their yard from the winter winds. Aiding his neighbour, he cut the branches down to similar lengths, but because he didn't bind them properly to be taken away, he was given a ticket. This collection evolved after Peters posted stories on where anyone can post, and popularity is measured by the number of views. Proceeds from the book will be donated to St. Amant Centre and Peters will launch it was reception at the centre (440 River Rd.) on Wednesday, May 21 at 6:30 p.m. It is suggested that you RSVP or reserve a book by calling 204-291-4814 or emailing gsabourin@ Following the book launch, you will find Long Stories Shortened at St. Vital Centre's Indigo bookstore. Laurie Gydé St. Vital community correspondent Laurie Gydé is a community correspondent for St. Vital. Email her at lauriegyde@ Read full biography
Daily Record
28-04-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
Dumfries and Galloway under spotlight in next stage of the Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry
Dumfries and Galloway will come under the spotlight during the next stage of the Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry. The ninth phase begins on Tuesday, with evidence being heard on a number of sites – including Ladyfield at the Crichton in Dumfries and Woodlands School in Newton Stewart – over the next three weeks. The evidence will relate to the provision of residential care in establishments for children and young people with long-term healthcare needs, additional support needs, and disabilities. A spokesperson for the inquiry said: 'Over the next three weeks our focus will be on healthcare settings – primarily those which provided for children with learning disabilities or mental health needs. 'This will cover provision by three NHS institutions – Lennox Castle, Ladyfield (and other units at the Crichton Royal) - and the Royal Scottish National Hospital. 'It will also cover St Joseph's, Rosewell (operated by the Daughters of Charity), and Algrade (operated by the Algrade Trust). 'In late May, the focus will move to other settings, including residential schools providing for children with additional support needs.' NHS Dumfries and Galloway is among the organisations due to give an opening statement on Tuesday, with chief executive Julie White appearing on Wednesday. Click here for more news and sport from Dumfries and Galloway. The independently-run Woodlands School – also known as Monken Hadley and Corsbie Hall – closed around two decades ago. The investigation into abuse at these establishments covers the period from within living memory until the end of 2014. It will explore the nature and extent of all forms of physical, sexual, and emotional abuse including the abusive use of corporal punishment and restraint. The inquiry will include the presentation of evidence from individuals who experienced and/or witnessed abuse when in residential care in one of these settings, from relevant experts, from regulatory bodies, and from providers.
