Ceilidh celebrations have returned to the Aldergrove Heritage Hall for 2024 on the first Friday of each month, from 7 to 9 p.m.
Called “Music and Friends” events, the celebration includes live music, local talent, tea and coffee with treats, and an opportunity to make new friends, hall president Patsy Homan said.
“It started from us wanting to showcase local talent. So it’s live local musical talent, and it’s to showcase people who are beginning in the music business and they want to practice performing in front of an audience,” she explained.
The volunteers who oversee the hall are hosting these Maritime-style kitchen-party music events, which vary each month from a singing group to soloists to guitar players. One evening had Darren Lee performing as Elvis.
The performers are volunteering their time at the hall for these events, Homan noted.
“They’re supporting the local talent and also supporting the hall to help the hall continue to be able to provide these kind of events for the community,” she said.
For this to become a regular event, the organizers need two things – talent willing to participate and members of the public willing to attend. And the hall’s music group is credited for finding the local performers to invite to the ceilidh events.
For $10 at the door, people can enjoy complimentary tea, coffee, and snacks. Ages 14 and under can enter for free.
There will also be a 50/50 raffle.
Funds go directly to the Aldergrove Heritage Hall.
The Aldergrove OAP has been around since 1960, using the building at 3015 273rd St. that used to house the volunteer fire department.
“As the new president for 2024, I’m very grateful to work with such a great group of supportive and committed members of the Heritage Hall on our board of directors,” Homan praised.
She added that there are many more community events in the planning stages for the hall, and there is large consideration towards affordability.
“I’d like us all to work together to help each other, help each other keep going and providing our services,” she said.
Aldergrove Heritage Hall is located at 3015 273rd St.
The hall hosts events such as card bingo on Sunday nights, the Aldergrove Art Club on Wednesday afternoons, round dancing, a honey bee group, old-time fiddlers, square dancing, a rock and gem club, and others.
Hall 71 is part of the B.C. OAP, which was incorporated in 1937. The OAP is concerned about all aspects of seniors’ lives, including, pensions, taxation, finances, health issues, home support, medicare and Pharmacare, housing and rental issues, social safety, abuse, neglect, fair treatment and loneliness.
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