Editor:
A few years ago Hope was blessed with a new carving, and a very special one it was. Near the railway crossing at 6th and Fort Street, a carving of a Station Master in the form of a bear was installed.
As I walk past that area almost every day, I was of regularly reminded of Paddington Bear and it always brought a smile! He was holding a big pocket watch in his left hand attached to a chain.
A few times I passed I noticed the chain had been broken and I would climb up and reattach the links.
One day, to my dismay, the watch and chain had been stolen, as was my smile as I pondered who would do such a thing!
Then, to my great joy, a few months ago I noticed that Paddington had a new wonderful gold coloured watch again attached to a chain.
This time I had hoped the watch would remain in place, but no such luck. The vandals have tried to again take the watch just recently, however, this time it had been secured with bolts.
So it was destroyed instead: part of the watch is still attached and the other part was carelessly tossed at Paddington’s feet.
My hope is that someone knows who is responsible, and will encourage that person to come forward and perhaps help the culprit(s) recognize their actions aren’t without consequences, they steal joy from others through this kind of destruction.
Carol Chaulk