5th APPEARANCE AT CENTRAL QUEENS UNITED CHURCH

Singing the hyms of the day

Everyone all smiles after a wonderful program

There seems little doubt from this morning's performance at Central Queens United Church that our fine group of ukulele players has matured and is indeed getting "Better and Better", as our song suggests. With eight numbers, mostly of rousing toe-tapping, hand-clapping down home gospel tunes, we were warmly welcomed by the small but enthusiastic congregation at the church this morning.The Reverend Barbara Wagner was most gracious in her comments as she thanked the group for once again offering our talents to Central Queens. Today marked our fifth appearance at Central Queens United Church in Hunter River since we began in 2008. Rev.Barbara hoped we would be back again.........

Reverand Barbara Welcomes SMUG

SMUG AT THE READY

The congregation begin to arrive

Everyone ready for rehearsing the morning hymns

Organist Christine ready to play for rehearsal

Mary and Ann preparing their music

Back Row  more to come

Caitlin and Leah arriving for rehearsal

IT KEEPS GETTING BETTER AND BETTER

ALL PHOTOS CAN BE ENLARGED BY DOUBLE CLICKING ON THEM

HAPPY SMUGGERS

STRATFORD COMMUNITY CHOIR

President and Master of Ceremonies Claude Parent

Yes, It Keeps Getting Better and Better for SMUG as we were invited to perform at the Thirteenth Annual Spring Concert of the Stratford Community Choir. Under the direction of Shirley Anne Cameron, with accompanyment by Jacqueline Sorensen Young,and guest soloist Suzanne Campbell, SMUG performed three selections at the event which was held at Park Royal United Church and attended by a very enthusiastic and appreciative audience. The extremely well rehearsed choir performed a variety of selections under the most appropriate theme "Waves Of Love" finishing off the evening with a rousing rendition of "We Rise Again" with the director, Shirley Anne Cameron, leading as soloist. SMUGGERS will have enjoyed the choir's version of "This Little Light of Mine" one of our favourites. SMUG put a lot into preparing for this program and were richly rewarded by the kind words from President, Claude Parent, as well as so many thoughtful remarks by the audience and members of the choir following the performance.

Suzanne Campbell accompanied by Jacqueline Sorensen Young

TIP-TOE THRU THE TULIPS WITH US AT THE GARDEN HOME

We had a great turnout of Smuggers today when the tulips were in full bloom, and SMUG tip-toed thru them along with a full auditorium at the Garden Nursing Home today. We hadn't been back to the Garden Home since Christmas and the residents were genuinely glad to have us in for an afternoon performance, followed by the usual treats provided by the kitchen. Linda Harding, the activity director, welcomed us and had very nice words for SMUG that made us feel at home in the presence of so many residents that many of us recognized. We were treated to a yodelling solo by one of the residents and serenaded on ukulele by another. Some of the residents were quick to invite us to return following our performance which we managed to extend to an hour thanks to the help from participating residents.

 

 

EVERETT MACDOUGALL CELEBRATES 100 YEARS AT ANDREWS

Everett MacDougall, surrounded by his family, celebrated his 100th birthday yesterday at Andrews of Stratford. WineSing were privileged to play for a brief period while Everett danced with two of his close friends. Messages were on display from the Queen, the Prime Minister, and the Mayor of Stratford, while local members of the legislature, Alan McIsaac, Bush Dumville and James Aylward were present for the occasion. As was expected a large gathering took place between 2 and 4 o'clock as throngs of well-wishers lined up to congratulate Everett and join in with birthday cake to celebrate the occasion. Everett, who was still curling at the end of the 2013 season, is in excellent health and no one would expect he has reached the wonderful age, nor that he is even close to it, a tribute to hard work and activity all of his life. WineSing would like to thank Everett's son, Noel, and the rest of his family for allowing us to be a part the this great day we will all remember.

WINESING SPRING PROGRAM AT BEACH GROVE

WineSing played an hour program on Friday for the residents of the Meadow Unit at Beach Grove. It was great to see so many familiar faces in the audience. We had an opportunity to play for Jean Robinson in her room before prior to the performance. It was a memory we won't forget and hope that Jean will remember as well.The Residents of Meadow joined us in singing most songs and Ann took time to do a long,long step dance for those assembled which stole the show and provided thunderous applause. Ron, in his closing remarks, reminded the staff and residents that "we will return!"

Ann Thrills The Residents

Ann doing a warm-up

PANCAKE BREAKFAST AT VICTORIA LODGE

This morning found SMUG having a weekly jam at the First Annual Pancake Breafast put on by Victoria Lodge # 2 A.F & A.M.. Rather than do a regular practise session we played for the enjoyment of the patrons who had come to partake of the glorious breakfast freshly prepared in the lodge kitchens by the principal officers of the lodge. A good time was enjoyed by all, especially the children who came along for the event. Being March break weekend, many SMUGGERS as well as potential patrons were probably off on a family holiday.We were all delighted to have Darlene and Bob Acorn back with us from Iqaluit for a two week stay with the hope we will have them with us again several times before they return to their home.

FIRST APPEARANCE OFF THE ISLAND!!!

This is the poster for our performance yesterday in Greenwood, South Carolina. Dianne was kind enough to save us a copy for those of you who couldn't make it.