When I walk past the home of our neighbors, Tap and Di, I experience a distinct twinge of envy. The twinge comes from the knowledge that Tap possesses an uncanny ability to take an ordinary piece of wood and turn it into a delight inspiring work of art. His workshop and yard are virtually bursting at the seams with his creations. What Tap and Di are doing is pretty indicative of the changes coming to Hedley.

Initially I focused on Tap’s exquisite bird houses, constructed with assistance from Di. A carved logging truck loaded with logs also captured my interest. This past spring I became aware he was constructing a car similar to Henry Ford’s famous Model T. Having a longstanding fascination with automobiles from that era, I was immediately smitten. I have visited his shop regularly to stay abreast of progress.

Being one dimensional, the car will never be driven on the streets of Hedley. It’s body, like that of the Model T, is constructed primarily of wood, but without the thin metal cladding affixed to Henry Ford’s cars. It has a single tail light, which is turned on after dark. As with many early vehicles, the spokes are of wood. Tap still intends to install a rumble seat.

The project exudes imagination, loving creativity, and meticulous regard for detail. While others wearied us (although not in Hedley) with noisy protests against pandemic restrictions, Tap laboured patiently and joyously to provide our community with a work of art that compels attention. In the four years since they retired and moved here, Tap has also constructed the most impressive gazebo in Hedley, possibly in all of B.C. Di also has an innovative bent and is usually on hand to offer help, suggestions and praise.

Until a few years ago Hedley saw little change, other than an occasional coat of paint on a house. With rising concerns about health due to air pollution, a desire to escape the increasing population density in urban centers, and the advent of covid-19, city dwellers began displaying an interest in small communities like Hedley. Having sold their more pricey properties elsewhere, they have generally come with at least some cash in their pockets and surprisingly often, the skills required to create interesting change.

A couple of years ago another neighbor began a project that interested me. Debra, who had recently settled in Hedley with her partner Johnny, decided to build a stone wall across the front of their property. With the advice, encouragement and prodding of Helmut, a fellow Hedley resident, she began assembling stones. Although no longer a young man and mostly confined to a wheelchair, Helmut faithfully showed up at Debra’s construction site and insisted on a high standard. He has a lifetime of experience with similar projects and offered prudent guidance.

Debra labored zealously for about four months, installing enough rebar to be a challenge for the new owners when she sold the property to them. It was a challenge for the new owners because they didn’t want the wall. Helmut’s focus had been on making the structure not only attractive but also incredibly robust. Many determined blows with a sledgehammer and power tools were required to dismantle it. In the meantime, Debra and Johnny acquired another property just around the corner from where Linda and I live. Lately she has been heard musing under her breath about erecting a second wall.

Walking around this quaint little town at dusk each evening, I rejoice at the creativity I see flourishing. Over approximately seven years, Terry and Valerie have applied a generous touch of magic to a decrepit motel at the entrance to Hedley. On the far side of town, overlooking 20 Mile Creek, a two story house, built with blond logs invites a second look. It is the creation of Bill and Pixie, recent additions to our community.

When Linda and I returned to Hedley some eight years ago, the town was pretty static, known largely for its gold mining history, the Hedley Historic Museum, a well received monthly pancake breakfast, and the yearly street dance on Scott Avenue. A wave of gifted and motivated “immigrants” to our community has brought colour and a greater vibrancy. In my opinion, and that of numerous tourists, Hedley is well worth a visit. If you’re interested, Tap’s car is now affixed to the front of his workshop.