Music lovers end

The audience sang “So long, it’s been good to know ya” as the Village Music Lovers held its final concert last week.

The goodbye concert attracted about 80 people with long-time favourites performers on stage, a cake and afternoon tea.

After some 36 years of providing music and fellowship, Village Music Lovers president and founder Evelyn Christie said the decision was made earlier this year and coincided with the sale of host venue Darnum Musical Village.

“We just thought it’s time,” she said. “Things change.”

Audience members said they would miss the monthly outing after attending for many years, several travelling long distances to do so.

“We are really going to miss it. Nothing else is as good as this,” said Judy Farmer, reflecting the mood of many.

“Harmony Plus” featuring Susan Parrish and Patrick Wakefield performed in the morning followed by the popular Marceau Camille who came out of retirement in the afternoon.

With humble beginnings, Village Music Lovers offered a low-cost and entertaining day out.

Teaching organ to beginners in the early 1980s, Evelyn had one group of women who wanted to continue meeting past their lessons.

After their first luncheon, Evelyn was touched by a call from a 63-year-old woman who thanked her for a lovely day. She had never been out to lunch before.

Inspired to create a group to enjoy music and fellowship, Evelyn founded the Village Music Lovers with meetings at Darnum Musical Village in association with Albert Fox.

“Very, very simply beginnings, that’s how it started,” reflected Evelyn. “It’s just grown.”

Grown it has – with some 80 people attending recent concerts.

In addition, Evelyn praised the work of the small committee who had volunteer over many years.

“You cannot do it without the committee. The committee are wonderful, absolutely wonderful.”

Committee member Judy Williams said it was with regret that the final concert was held after almost 36 years of bringing entertainment to many people from many places.

“We would like to thank each and everyone who has supported us through the years,” she said. “We have enjoyed bringing all the oldtime favourites and timeless artists, many of whom have returned by popular demand.”

Left: Meg and Keith Pritchard of Drouin will miss the friendly atmosphere after attending the final Village Music Lovers concert last week.

A cake was cut to signal the end of Village Music Lovers after 36 years by committee members (from left) Ron Livingston, Wilma Livingston, Evelyn Christie, Judy Williams and John Williams.

Susan Parrish and Patrick Wakefield of “Harmony Plus” perform at the final Village Music Lovers concert in Darnum. The audience of about 80 people joined in singing their final song “So Long”.

Jod Martin, who is known for beautiful piano playing, will miss attending Village Music Lovers.

Above Busy making tea and coffee in the kitchen are Shirley Taylor (left) of Morwell and Janet Chandler of Jindivick at the farewell to Village Music Lovers.