On April 9th it was the anniversary of Canada's founding moment, the battle for Vimy Ridge.
We are currently adding onto our kitchen on PEI. So what has Vimy got to do with our kitchen? It's about how hard it is to get a good plumber. We are having to beg Kenny to return and help us.
After the war Arthur Currie settled in Montreal where he only knew his army veterans, He had come from BC to be the president of McGill University. One evening he had trouble with a leaking pipe and asked a friend if he knew of a good plumber. His friend answered "Luther Sutherland" - who was my great Uncle. Uncle Luther was one of a handful of engineers who built all of the major public works, roads bridges etc in Quebec. Uncle Luther only had about 3 clients. He played cards with the premier every week. That kind of contractor!
Uncle Luther was called at his club abd was told that Sir Arthur had a plumbing problem. He put on his coat and top hat and arrived at the door in his chauffer-driven car. Stripping to his shirt sleeves, he fixed the leak and joined a bemused Currie for a brandy. They became very good friends.
So some things don't change. When you go to a new place you need to know who the good plumbers are. Once you know one - never let him go!
