The Time in Pigeon Inlet Over for Summer 2008.

Welcome to the Time from King David

Thank you to everyone especially our audiences and our sponsors for making “The Time in Pigeon Inlet” such a tremendous success this summer. August 23rd was the final performance of Pigeon Inlet for the Summer of 2008. The performance brought an end to a very busy summer for the Manager, Kenny Sharpe; Artistic and Musical Directors, Kelly Russell and Tonya Kearley Russell; the Pigeon Inlet Players; the Caterers, Skipper Ben’s from Cupids; and all the members of the Pigeon Inlet Committee.

During the summer evaluations were accepted each night and guest comments were recorded to ensure better productions in the future. For the most part, the comments were highly favourable, with almost all persons either agreeing or strongly agreeing that the food, the music, the acting, and the dance were excellent.

Keep checking back at www.bayroberts.com and www.pigeoninlet.ca and this blog for updates and future events which are in the planning stages.

Below are photos from the August 23rd Time.

Audience

Kelly Russell performing "Smokeroom on the Klyle."

Tonya Kearley Russell taking people for their contributions over the summer.

Meggie - Naomi Russell and Liz Walcott - Melissa Dawe

Ally Dawe and Melissa Dawe of Pigeon Inlet Players

Jethro Noddy : Richard Porter and Ben Walcott: Stephen Power

Pigeon Inlet Flash Presentation.

A Pigeon Inlet Flash Presentation has been assembled from the shows so far this summer. You will see photos from various shows, as well as photos and information about Kelly and Tonya Kearley Russell, Pigeon Inlet Players, and Ted Russell.

A Time in Pigeon Inlet.

Sold out again!!

Even with 40 extra tickets per night, the “Time” in Pigeon Inlet has completely sold out again !!

Everything was moved to St. Matthews Hall which is much larger than the SUF Lodge (the original location .) The first “Time” was held at St. Matthews Hall on Saturday, July 26. All the remaining “Times ” for this summer will be held in the St. Matthew’s Hall, which is adjacent to the War Memorial on Water Street in Bay Roberts.

St. Matthew's Hall

We hope this summer’s productions are just a taste of what is to come in the future!!

Larger Venue - More Tickets

The “Time” in Pigeon Inlet is being moved to a larger venue! It will now be held in St. Matthew’s Hall on Water Street in Bay Roberts. More tickets are available.

For further information and to purchase tickets:
Toll Free: 1-866-786-2126 Tel: 709-786-2126 Fax: 709-786-2128
[Leave voice mail outside regular office hours and we will get back to you.]
If you have a problem getting through, keep trying!
Email:pigeoninlet@bayroberts.com

The “Time” - for the first time.

July 19th, 2008 - the first “Time” in Pigeon Inlet was held in the SUF Hall in Bay Roberts.

While guests were arriving, the Pigeon Inlet Players accompanied by Kelly Russell, performed traditional Newfoundland music.

Pigeon inlet Players - Stephen Power, Luke Walsh, Colin Brown, Meggie Burton

The Audience

Once the audience had been escorted to their seats and served with drinks and water, the buffet began.

Melissa Dawe, one of the Pigeon Inlet Players, serves water.

The guests enjoyed the extensive buffet of traditional Newfoundland food, including salmon and fish and brewis, as well as contemporary Canadian food and salads.

Scoff at Time

Tanya Kearley Russell got the “Time” underway.

Tonya Kearley Russell

Ally Dawe and Melissa Dawe of Pigeon Inlet Players performed. Ally sang Ted Russell’s favourite Newfoundland song: “Let Me Fish off Cape St. Mary’s” by Otto Kelland.

Ally Dawe and Melissa Dawe of Pigeon Inlet Players

Kelly Russell told a couple of his Dad’s stories from the “Chronicles of Uncle Mose.”

Kelly Russell - Tall Tales and Chronicles

Russell’s in the Corner - performed “Smokeroom on Kyle” and other selections, including “Saltwater Joys” by Wayne Chaulk.

Tamsym and Naomi Russell with Dad, Kelly Russell

The Time featured an adaption of Ted Russell’s play “Algebra Slippers.” Ally Dawe was the narrator and Kelly Russell supplied the “Chronicles of Uncle Mose Theme” from the Fishermen’s Broadcast on CBC.

Ally Dawe - narrator and Kelly Russell - accordion

In their kitchen, Liz and Ben Walcott (Grandma and Grandpa Walcott) discussed the shortage of supplies.

Liz Walcott (Melissa Dawe) and Ben Walcott (Richard Porter)

Ben Walcott went to the store to barter with Josiah Bartle, the merchant.

Ben Walcott (Richard Porter) and Josiah Bartle (Stephen Power)

With the help of Ben’s friends and the school teacher… and ALGEBRA, Josiah got more than he bargained for!

(l-r) Schoolmaster - Luke Walsh; Meggie - Naomi Russell ; Polly - Tamsyn Russell; Aunt Sarah - Meggie Burton; Ben Wallcott - Richard Porter

Ben returned home as a proud man!

Liz Walcott - Melissa Dawe and Ben Walcott - Richard Porter

Newfoundland dancing - Tanya led Pigeon Inlet Players and “volunteers” from the audience in a Newfoundland dance.

Newfoundland Dance - Mayor Glenn Littlejohn of Bay Roberts (in background over Richard Porter's shoulder) and others participate.

To end the evening, everyone joined in an enthusiastic version of “The Ode to Newfoundland.”

The Avalon Ambassadors join in singing "The Ode to Newfoundland"

Uncle Mose - as popular as ever!!

The tickets for the five productions of the “Time in Pigeon Inlet” SOLD OUT in a week! CONSIDERATION IS BEING GIVEN TO PUTTING ON ANOTHER SHOW. Please call and leave you name at the Bay Roberts town office if you are still interested in tickets. [Toll Free: 1-866-786-2126 Tel: 709-786-2126 Fax: 709-786-2128 - Leave voice mail outside regular office hours and we will get back to you if the show does go ahead.]

The Other Side of the Coin -David French - another son of Coley’s Point

David French, who was born on Coley’s Point in 1939, represents the other side of the Newfoundland experience. After WWII, his family left Coley’s Point and settled in Toronto - “amidst a thriving community of Newfoundland exiles.” - to quote his website [www.davidfrench.net] Note that we are “exiles” when we leave our “holdin’ ground.” His best known plays are perhaps “Leaving Home” and “Salt-Water Moon.”

David French, Order of Canada ,2001

Victoria Loyal Orange Lodge# 3 is being converted to Victoria LOL # 3 Museum and Playhouse, and it will be featuring the works of David French, as one of Canada’s most popular and critically –acclaimed playwrights.

The official opening was Saturday July 12, 2008 at the Victoria LOL 3 # Museum and Playhouse located at the corner of Patterson Street and Smith Street Extension in Bay Roberts. [Just up the street from the SUF Lodge where the "Times" will be held.] During the summer, Victoria LOL will be open Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays from 1:00 PM—5:00 PM to view exhibits. They will also be offering Carriage Rides. For more information contact Brenda Mercer - eem@nf.sympatico.ca

Victoria LOL #3, Patterson Street - Built in 1870s

Bluegrass and Old Time Country Music Jamboree

The Bay Arena on July 26 and 27.

The Bay Roberts Special Events Committee will be hosting the Bluegrass and Old Time Country Music Society of Newfoundland and Labrador’s Jamboree in the Bay Arena on July 26 and 27.

The Society has the complete schedule of events for the weekend online. Schedule of Events >>

There are many things to see and do in Bay Roberts and in surrounding communities this summer.

Where to Stay

http://www.bayroberts.com/accom.htm

http://www.northernavalon.com/accom.htm

Holdin’ Ground 3 - the Launch

The Pigeon Inlet Launch at the Visitors’ Pavilion

The afternoon launch at the Visitors’ Pavilion was an inspirational occasion for all who were present, and on a number of occasions, members of the Russell Family were brought to tears along with the audience.

During the launch the Pigeon Inlet Players entertained.

Pigeon Inlet Players

A few of the afternoon’s highlights were:

Councilor Clarence Mercer’s obvious joy in seeing the first phase of his dream come true. [Clarence is the Pigeon Inlet Committee Chair and the originator of bringing Pigeon Inlet to Bay Roberts.]

Councilor Clarence Mercer, Chairperson Pigeon Inlet Committee

Dr. Elizabeth Miller (Ted Russell’s daughter) expressing the family support for the project.

Dr. Elizabeth Miller

The extent to which the Russell family was moved by the event. Many times tears were flowing. It must have been an unforgettable birthday for June - who shares a birthday with her father on June 27th, the date of the launch.

Russell Family - (l-r) Ken Baikie (grandson), June Baikie (d), Rhona Hulsey(d), Peggy Vachon(d)

The overwhelming support for the Pigeon Inlet concept from all four politicians who spoke.

Deputy Mayor Melvin Walsh of the town of Bay Roberts [which has given financial and moral support from the beginning];

Deputy Mayor Melvin Walsh

Roland Bulter, MHA, for the District of Port de Grave

MHA Roland Butler, Port de Grave District

The Honourable Tom Hedderson, Minister for Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister Responsible for the Volunteer and Non-Profit Sector, and MHA for the district of Harbour Main

The Honourable Tom Hedderson

Fabian Manning, MP for the district of Avalon

MP Fabian Manning, District of Avalon

Unveiling of Exhibits.

The summer exhibits based on the life and works of Ted Russell were unveiled. The set up and design of the displays was arranged by Betty Jerrett of the Bay Roberts Heritage Society. The sketches by Silvia Quinton based on Ted Russell’s radio plays are part of the exhibit and can be seen in the background of the photos, along with the display cases with artifacts.

Unveiling two display cases of memorabilia- (i-r) Ruth Murray (committee), Peggy Vachon (daughter), Agnes Butler (committee) (i-r) Ruth Murray (committee), Peggy Vachon (daughter), Agnes Butler (committee)

Unveiling the life-size cut out of Ted Russell at 17 years old. At the time, he was leaving Coley’s Point to go teaching on Pass Island, an isolated island in Fortune Bay. The cutout was prepared by Hillery Cass, who is well known for her work in museums across the province, including The Rooms in St. John’s.

Unveiling Ted Russell (l-r) Agnes Butler (Committee), Rhona Hussey (daughter), Betty Jerrett (committee)

Russell Children with life-size cutout of Ted Russell

Unveiling the large storyboard of Ted Russell’s life story - teacher, magistrate, director of co-operatives, MHA and Minster, insurance salesman, author, university professor. The storyboard was design by Margaret Ayad of Baccalieu Consulting.

Unveiling Ted Russell Storyboard (l-r) Margaret Ayad (Committee) Dr. Elizabeth Miller (daughter)

Renaming the exhibition room of the Visitors’ Pavilion - “The Holdin’ Ground”

Text from plaque:

The main exhibition room of the Bay Roberts Visitors’ Pavilion was named “The Holdin’ Ground” on June 27th, 2008. The inspiration for the designation is Ted Russell’s play “The Holdin’ Ground”, which elaborates on the bond that the people of Newfoundland and Labrador feel with their home. The strength of the bond defines who we are as a people and draws us back when we leave, as many of us have over the centuries. The exhibits in the Pavilion recognize the diversity of people, places, and things, expressed through works of art, literature, music, language, stories, and inspirations that contribute to Newfoundland and Labrador‘s strength as a “Holdin’ Ground.

Unveiling room sign which was designed by Rick Snow of Bay Roberts:

Unveiling of name. Harold Stanford (Committee), Dennis Miller (grandson)

Unveiling the text about plaque (l-r) June Baikie (daughter) Edmund Dawson (Committee and Sponsor)

Kelly Russell and family cutting the ribbon to declare \”the Holdin\’ Ground\” open, assisted by Clarence Mercer, Committee Chairperson

See more photos from the launch and photos from the Buffet Dinner and the Gala Concert.

Join the town in celebrating at one of the “Times” this summer. Two are already sold out!!

Into the Blog - Part 2 - from Kelly Russell

Pigeon Inlet Players

Over the past few weeks we have held auditions and selected the Pigeon Inlet Players. A group of talented young musicians and actors from Bay Roberts and surrounding area are now assembled under the theatrical direction of Tonya Kearley Russell and the musical direction of Kelly Russell. We have been rehearsing every weekend.

Pigeon Inlet Players

Included with the Pigeon Inlet Players are our daughters, Naomi (who performs vocals, and plays fiddle and guitar) and Tamsyn (who performs vocals and plays accordion and piano.) Both girls have performed at numerous local concerts on Bell Island and at festivals and other events in St. John’s.

From the Bay Roberts area, the group includes more multi-talented young people:
Ally Dawe - Vocals
Richard Porter - Vocals, guitar, bodhran
Melissa Dawe - Vocals, guitar
Stephen Power - Vocals, guitar
Luke Welsh - Fiddle
Colin Brown - Accordion
Maggie Burton - Fiddle, whistle, flute

Members of Figgy Duff

The legendary music group Figgy Duff, formed in 1975 by Noel Dinn, pioneered the fusion of traditional Newfoundland folk music with contemporary sounds and arrangements. They paved the way for many groups today who enjoy success in this now popular musical genre.

The group re-formed in 1999 for a Silver Reunion Tour. A live recording of this event is soon to be released on CD. In August, the group reunites for a week of performances in St. John’s and Woody Point.

We are delighted to welcome Pamela Morgan, Frank Maher, Dave Panting, George Morgan and Kelly Russell for a short performance tonight in advance of their reunion.

Holdin’ Ground 2

Congratulations to Dan Cleary, the Cleary family in Riverhead, the town of Harbour Grace, and all five hundred thousand people of our province!

The true meaning of “The Holdin’ Ground” has been at the forefront in Newfoundland and Labrador since Dan Cleary from Riverhead has been playing for the Stanley Cup with the Detroit Red Wings. Dan Cleary, in all his interviews, has demonstrated his pride in his home community of Riverhead, Harbour Grace. Across the province, people have felt strong pride because one of our own for the first time will have his name on the Stanley Cup.

The photo of the Kyle on the right appeared in the online version of The Compass and was taken by Bill Bowman.

The Holdn’ Ground.

Something brings us back to this place - Newfoundland and Labrador..

Is the place? Is it the people? Is it who we are?

Ted Russell called it the “Holdin’ Ground.”

The Fishing Grounds - Sylvia Quinton Ficken

From his radio play the “Holdin’ Ground,” here is the way that Ted Russell defines it.

“…lookin’ out at where Skipper Joe Irwin’s schooner is ridin’ at her moorin’. And lookin’ at her, I’ve noticed how she’s always on the move. Swingin’ this way and that with the tide and the baffles of offshore wind from the hills…Always and forever on the move. A stranger not knowin’ the difference’d think she was adrift. That is, if he didn’t know about her chain and her anchor–and her holdin’ ground.

And the thought struck me how much that schooner is like us people along this part of the Newfoundland coast. And most likely, like people everywhere. Oh, we have our little baffles of wind and tide, differences of opinion on a good many things, that swing us in different ways. A stranger might think we were gone adrift. That is, until he knew about our moorin’s and our holdin’ ground.”

The General Store - Sylvia Quinton Ficken

The world today could learn a great deal from Ted Russell. At the end of the play he expands on the “holdin’ ground” concept:

“…lookin’ at Skipper Joe Irwin’s schooner–and thinkin’. Thinkin’ about how weak are the things that try to pull men apart, differences in colours, creeds, and opinions–weak things like the ripples tuggin’ at the schooner’s chain. And thinkin’ about how strong are the things that hold men together–strong like Joe’s anchor and chain, and the good holdin’ ground below.”

The Northcliffe Drama Club of Grand Falls production of The Holdin’ Ground at the 1956 Newfoundland Drama Festival won an award for the best production. It was the first Newfoundland play to be performed in the Drama Festival.

The first drama filmed for Newfoundland television was an adaptation of The Holdin’ Ground, broadcast by CJON in 1959.

Photo of cast of CJON TV production of the Holdin’ Ground.

Ted Russell is at the center of the front row.