On Friday, May 10th, Phyllis Aronoff and Howard Scott hosted the first Philip Stratford dinner of the year. Some fifteen people attended the potluck dinner and readings, including Anne Stratford, LTAC members and friends.

Ten members shared their translations of prose and poetry, some published, some award-winning, some works in progress. The translations were from Japanese and English into French, and from French, Spanish and Hindi into English. The readings were as enjoyable as the meal, the mingling and the environment in which it all took place.

Philip Stratford was a leading figure in the LTAC, a quiet, thoughtful and highly respected teacher, scholar and writer renowned for his literary translation. Anne mentioned her father would be honoured that the Association continues to pays tribute to his memory. Debby Dubrofsky and Robert Paquin, who taught courses in the English department at the University of Montreal during Philip Stratford’s tenure there, remembered the department as a stimulating environment with a coterie of young intellectuals.

A memorable Philip Stratford dinner that will be difficult to beat, but the organizing committee is already planning the next one. It should be held sometime this fall. We’ll keep you posted.