Saved carols a huge success

PERFORMERS didn’t disappoint the huge crowd that gathered for the Lions Club Carols by Candlelight last Saturday at Barrack Reserve.

After initial limited response to the call for performers, the more than 25 acts who took to the stage all received enthusiastic applause.

“This is a fantastic turn-out,” said Lorraine Spiers from the Heathcote Lions Club, as the first group made their way to the stage.

“There are at least 350 people here and I can see more still arriving.”

The evening started with the youngest performers from Heathcote Kindergarten, followed by foundation students from the primary schools, belting out their carols like professional performers.

Other acts included the Marist Brass Band from Bendigo, Mariah McCarthy and many of her students, and the Heathcote Ukulele Group, also known as H.U.G.

A special guest playing with the H.U.G. was Graham Harrison who is visiting from Stoke-on-Trent with partner Meredith Small.

“We came to spend Christmas with family and travelled to Heathcote to visit our friends Amanda Collins and Dave Munro,” said Small.

Collins and Munro are founding members of H.U.G.

“This is wonderful,” said Ms Small. “I’m really glad to be here; carols really bring people together.”

Heathcote resident and ukulele player Sandra Kirby thought the night was tribute to the town.

“It was lovely to see so many people attend and support the hard work that goes into organising the carols,” she said.

“It was an amazing night, especially after everyone pulled together when it looked like the carols would be cancelled.

“We live in such a wonderful town.”