Memorial hall filled to capacity for farewell

The Pearl Beach Memorial Hall was filled to capacity at the recent Pearl Beach Singers Glee Club concerts to farewell Mrs and Mr Jean and John Irvine.

"The very first Glee Club singers formed to present concerts as early as 1950 to raise funds to complete the Pearl Beach Memorial Hall," said Pearl Beach Progress Association communication officer Ms Lynne Lillico.

"They disbanded around 1953 until 2010 when they reformed under the leadership of skilled musician Diane Orton to celebrate the 60th Anniversary of the original Glee Club.

"In 2014 when Diane retired, the Irvine's, who were enthusiastic members of the singers, generously agreed to take on additional responsibilities.

"Jean became accompanist and musical director. With John firmly established as emcee, they led the singers into new ground," Ms Lillico said.

"From there, the Glee Club concerts provided opportunities for locals and friends to join with the Pearl Beach Singers, continuing the tradition of always filling the Pearl Beach Memorial Hall with music and an enthusiastic audience.

"Together they have been able to invite amateur and professional guest musicians and provided performance opportunity for young music students who with the Pearl Beach Singers have continued to produce exciting and innovative concerts.

"This year the concerts celebrated the 90th Anniversary of the Pearl Beach Progress Association with a fabulous weekend filled with fun, laughter, dance and a few tears.

"The concerts really did embrace the audiences and they left the hall with a smile on their faces, and laughter in their hearts.

"Everyone within the Glee Club family worked so hard to make this year a very special one to farewell Jean and John.

"Their retirement leaves a gap, but we know they are looking forward to a slower pace and enjoying exciting journeys and their legacy lives on.

"The Singers will continue to perform and entertain locals, family and friends alike," Ms Lillico said.

SOURCE:

Media release, 28 Aug 2019

Lynne Lillico, Pearl Beach Progress Association