Stuart MacFarlane guest performer at Bonshaw Ceilidh

The monthly ceilidh concert at the Bonshaw Hall on Sunday, Nov, 25, 2-4 p.m., will include performances by special guests singer Stuart MacFarlane, Highland dancer Janelle MacMurrer and the Willis Family Trio Jolene, Petra and Grant.

They will be joined by Tony the Troubador, Herb MacDonald and Phil Pineau.

All ages are welcome at the ceilidh, and the hall is accessible for small wheelchairs. There will be a 50/50 draw and free cookies and tea for lunch, as well as open stage time. Admission is by donation, with proceeds to ongoing maintenance of the historic Bonshaw Hall.

MacFarlane, who is from Hampton, has been entertaining with his guitar and “songs of hope and despair” for over 40 years. Besides performing at community events and concerts, he has been the resident balladeer at the Stanley Bridge Resort for several summers.

The Bonshaw Hall has been a major landmark for those travelling the main highway from Borden to Charlottetown for more than 150 years. It retains much of its original architectural features and has been well maintained over the years. In 1962, work was

carried out to the church foundation, floor joists and flooring. An extension was made to the original church in 1975-76, and at the same time a new foundation was laid.

In 2009-2010, many of the windows were replaced with custom made wood replacement windows, and extensive work was undertaken to restore the steeple to its 1880 appearance.

In 2008, the church building was acquired by the Bonshaw Hall Co-operative whose mandate is to restore and maintain the building and operate it as a community hall and performance centre.

The Bonshaw Hall also houses the community post office and continues to be valued, as a community meeting place and cultural centre and as a tangible reminder of the community’s past. More information about the hall is at https://www.historicplaces.ca/en/rep-reg/place-lieu. aspx?id=20266.