Thursday, December 24, 2015

A Christmas Eve Story: The Shepherd - Frederick Forsyth - read by Alan Maitland from CBC Radio

If you grew up as I did, listening to CBC (Canadian Broadcasting Corporation) Radio, chances were this reading of a Christmas Eve ghost story by the late Al Maitland was a tradition.   I have fond memories of driving through the snow covered Ontario countryside late one Christmas Eve, on my way to a family gathering, and listening to this on the car radio as the moon scudded along to one side



It takes about half an hour, so grab a rum and eggnog or your favourite drink, settle in by the glow of the Christmas tree, and enjoy.   Happy Christmas to you and yours from Madame Padre and myself.



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9 comments:

  1. rhingleyDecember 24, 2015 at 5:28 PM

    A favorite of mine as well, if I happen to be at home on Christmas Eve. First time I've listened to it in 4 or 5 years. A Merry Christmas to you and Mrs Padre as well.

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  2. Ross Mac rmacfa@gmail.comDecember 24, 2015 at 7:45 PM

    This and his telling of the gift of the Magi are etched in my brain or rather, in my heart.

    Merry Christmas to the 2 of you.

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  3. Archduke PiccoloDecember 24, 2015 at 9:12 PM

    I've never heard the story read, but have a copy of the book - slender paperback with monochrome illustrations - kicking around the house somewhere.

    Merry Christmas to you and yours Michael!

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  4. Anibal InvictusDecember 25, 2015 at 2:21 AM

    Thanks Mike, I'll reserve this for after luch
    Merry Christmas to you and a special one for Mrs Padre

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  5. Disgruntled FusilierDecember 25, 2015 at 5:48 AM

    Merry Christmas to you, Padre! Will listen to this today sometime!

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  6. DaiDecember 25, 2015 at 10:43 PM

    Am saving this for when I next paint.

    Merry Christmas Mike.

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    1. DaiDecember 26, 2015 at 2:12 PM

      Okay, just listened whilst painting.

      A. Classic tale. Not heard it, but have heard one like it from my grandfather.
      B. Thoroughly enjowed the story. I think stories like this will be few and far between as we get older. Which is sad.

      Thanks for the suggestion padre.

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    2. Mad PadreDecember 26, 2015 at 7:36 PM

      So glad you liked it, Dai! Al Maitland was a fixture of CBC Radio for many many years. He had a persona called "Fireside Al" that read many stories, and this one has remained a Christmas tradition after his death. I doubt it would be as interesting to people who lacked the historical knowledge.
      Cheers,
      M

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  7. BarksDecember 27, 2015 at 4:57 PM

    I really enjoyed this book!

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