FORT AUGUSTUS PARISH CHURCH CEILIDH & SOCIAL EVENING

On Friday 28th June, Fort Augustus community gathered for a multi talented Ceilidh and Social Evening at Fort Augustus Parish Church of Scotland Hall. The evening was introduced by Jill Skeoch who also gave the vote of thanks and was compered by Kathryn Sharples.  The highlights included music by Carys Jones, the Minister's daughter who played 'Rosslyn Castle' on the clarsach. Phil Mansell also sang and played guitar with a a selection from his repertoire of over 300 songs including 'Caledonia'. An augmented community choir which included Leslie Thurnell, Ani Demorava and Caroline Macpherson led by Kathryn Sharples sang a madrigal and 'The Oak and The Ash'.  Leslie Thurnell also sang two solos 'My Johnny was a Shoemaker' and an Irish ballad. Jane Patten read 'An Historical Letter ('His Reverance') from the 1700's by a Minister's wife from Laggan. Poetry was recited by Lorraine Martin by Charles Grey, Katie Aitken read 'The Listeners' and 'Only a Dad' Graham Biggs and Jane Patten shared 'Fern Hill' by Dylan Thomas, Bill McWhirter read Robert Burns and, the Minister Reverend Anthony Jones shared some of his own published poetry which included his iconic tone poem 'Warrior's Field' and 'Wales, My Wales'.  The evening closed with an encore of young Carys Jones playing 'Lament for a Blind Harper' on the clarsach. In the intermission the audience was treated to refreshments including a tasty selection of light bites and cake. The evening helped to raise valuable funds for the Church and donations are still being welcomed and  received.

Thank you again to everyone who took part and for coming along to support such a worthy cause.