TALES of historical events often get passed on through the generations by word of mouth.

But in Scapegoat Hill, one local resident put his memories down on paper and wrote a poem about the fire which almost destroyed Scapegoat Hill's Co-op.

A copy of the letter was unearthed by a reader after reading an article in the Examiner about the couple who now live in the former Co-op and how they have restored and renovated it.

The reader, who does not wish to be named, said: "The poem may be of interest to either the present owners or the future buyers regarding its previous history."

The poem is called A Hectic Weekend (A Tragic Tale). The 21 verse rhyming poem by Stoney Wood re-tells the story, the firemen's effort to douse the fire and the subsequent temporary move to the chapel.

Here is an excerpt:

"When stealthily, with vile intent, avoiding locks and doors, A felon through the window went, into our local stores. His purpose there to steal whate'er he could of value find, And after this nefarious task, to leave no trace behind.

"Reporters, with their cameras, were quickly on the spot. For they believe it's wise to strike the iron while it's hot; And soon, throughout the country, were appearing in the Press, Both photographs and stories of the Village in Distress."