Raising Funds to Repair Roof of Venerable Old Hall
Oh no, don't let the rain come down
oh no, don't let the rain come down
my roof's got a hole in it
and I might drown
– Serendipity Singers
By CATHOLINE BUTLER
VANCOUVER - You wouldn't think a leaky roof would be something to sing about but that was indeed the case at the recent fundraising event held at the Cambrian Hall. Vancouver's well-known Celtic group, Blackthorn, had the capacity audience singing along to the chorus of Don't Let the Rain Come Down - complete with running water sound effects - all for the benefit of fixing the Welsh Society's leaky roof.
BLACKTHORN, the popular Vancouver Celtic group, provided great entertainment at the Cambrian Hall fundraiser.
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The Cambrian Hall was built in 1929 by Welsh immigrants to Vancouver and has served as a home to The Welsh Society of Vancouver ever since. In the 1980s, the City of Vancouver designated the site as a heritage building and this year marks its 75th Anniversary. It will be celebrated on the weekend of November 5, 6 and 7 with festivities at the charming old Cambrian Hall.
The successful September 11 sold-out event called "Celtic at the Cambrian" was largely organized by Neville Thomas of the Dylan Thomas Society and volunteers. The concert had two intermissions with the audience retiring to the Red Dragon Pub downstairs to partake of chili and a bun with homemade Welsh cakes for dessert before making their way back to the hall for the second half of the concert. Master of ceremonies for the evening was Cal Coates, producer for the Celt In A Twist radio show on AM 1470, CJVB Radio.
BLACKTHORN, the popular Vancouver Celtic group, provided great entertainment at the Cambrian Hall fundraiser.
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Blackthorn has been entertaining local audiences for over a decade and over the years the group has matured gracefully with an impressive line-up and a growing repertoire. In the spirit of the Cambrian Hall fundraiser, the group learned some Welsh songs for the evening, much to the delight of the audience.
Lead singer, Michelle Carlisle, is not only a versatile musician but she puts a passion into her songs which captures the attention of the audience. Members of Blackthorn are: Rosie Carver, Michelle Carlisle, Diane Foster, Tim Renaud and leader Michael Viens. Graham Carver is also a member of Blackthorn, but was not with them at the Cambrian Hall.
An added attraction for the evening was The Tartan Pride Highland Dance team who thrilled the audience with their precision Highland dancing which at times looked a bit like Riverdance. All in all, it was a great evening of entertainment, while raising some needed funds to fix the leaky roof.
For more information about rental of the Cambrian Hall call, (604) 434-3150. For information about the Welsh Society, call the President of the Welsh Society, Jane Byrne at (604) 732-5448.
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