By Pepper Parr
March 18th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
Ruth Coverdale played drums and Joan Fox played the Guitar.
It was an Irish event without the Guinness.
A healthy little crowd gathered at the Lowville United Church for a Lowville Festival fundraiser that celebrated the Irish in the community.
Joan Fox played the Guitar.
The music was fine; they sang every Irish song you’ve ever heard and closed with wen Irish eyes are smiling, done by Rob Missen Loretta Baily and Bronwyn, the daughter of Minister Daryl Weber who wasn’t able to attend – flu.
Stuart Laughton, a musician who plays a number of instruments did a really cute little piece on what he called a tin whistle and then added a number of ballads that were very nicely done. Someone named George told stories which gave the evening a nice local feeling.
Ruth Coverdale, marking up the music during the Irish eyes are smiling concert in Lowville. She played the drums
The music was the draw – the health of the community church is what people in the foyer wanted to talk about after the concert – the size of the congregation is the challenges they are facing.
Bob Missen and Loretta Bailey doing Irish eyes are smiling – the closing piece for a really enjoyable community concert.
The pastor has what is known as a two point parish – he handled two churches. The Nelson United Congregation decided some time ago to sell their property and join the Tansley congregation which meant the cost of running the church fell on Lowville. It isn’t something they are going to be able to do for very long.
Like almost every church in Burlington, the congregation is made up of seniors’ who are looking for a way to keep their church alive. They are not without ideas but it is a serious challenge.
More on that story as it evolves.
Rory Nisan, a yet to be announced candidate for the Ward 3 seat at the Lowville United Church on Saturday.
Ward Councillor John Taylor didn’t make an appearance – the church is often ground zero for Taylor. Two of the numerous people who have their eye on the council seat Taylor has held for more than 20 years were in attendance, shaking hands and making themselves known.
Gareth Williams, on the left attended the Irish eyes are Smiling concert at the Lowville United Church.
We got a good look at the campaigning skills of Rory Nisan and Gareth Williams; one of the two was much much better than the other.
There are three other people who are understood to be interested in the ward 3 council seat. It should prove to be a lively election in that ward.
During the chit chat with people after the concert it became clear that the congregation doesn’t expect to see much support from the city even though they feel they deserve some help.
The good news announced that evening was the dates for the fourth annual Lowville Festival – June 8th to 10th – with two top name performers on the program.
Bob Missen who handles some of the talent was keeping the names close to his chest and has asked that we not announce who they are quite yet. Both will take the Festival one more step to becoming an event that people will plan to attend.
Leona Boyd was on the stage last year – the Festival organizers have improved on that; they expect to announce the program for next June very soon.
