As we prepare to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day this week, I would like to honour the Irish and share two letters with you. I have posted this blog before honouring a genuine gentle Irish man. This is an evergreen story, and hopefully, one that will touch you all and lift our spirits during these challenging times. It was my intention to edit the letter, however, I have decided to leave the letters exactly as they were written.
One was written to the late Irish singer-songwriter, Mr. Val Doonican.
The other letter is his response.
Dear Mr. Doonican,
This letter is being written to you by a mature adult, but through the eyes of a young child, as she saw you 45 years ago. I was that child.
Forty-five years ago my siblings and I were living in a convent in Newcastle upon Tyne in England. Life in the home was a daily routine of tasks and assignments given by the Sisters. No one paid much attention to us as individuals, as there were not enough Sisters, and never enough time. one day after school we were directed to get on the bus outside. This we did with great anticipation and excitement. Asking Sister where we were going. She said that a very kind man called Mr. Doonican was singing at Newcastle City Hall tonight, and he arranged for the children to attend.
As you know, the children sat around Mr. Doonican in such a way that we were facing the audience. Approximately 3000 eyes were on Mr. Doonican’s back. To everyone’s enjoyment, Mr. Doonican began his wonderful performance. Later in the show, he stopped singing, explaining to his audience that they would have to excuse him.
“I have something very important to do.” Climbing off his stool, he picked up his guitar and turned his stool around to face us, the children.
He said, “Good evening children. How are you? Now it is your turn!”
Mr. Doonican proceeded to sing three songs, Delaney’s Donkey, Paddy McGinty’s Goat, and the Magnificent Toy. We were asked to participate, and we did with great vigour and enthusiasm.
Never at any time in my young life had anyone made me feel so special. It was a glorious moment for me. I had the best seat. I was facing you, and although I was young, I could sense your kindness and sincerity towards the children through your songs and your smile.
Today I would like to share with you that that moment has stayed with me all the days of my life, even to this day. I have told the story many, many times, and each time I have told the story I think about how grateful I was (and still am) for your kind, sweet, gentle extraordinary gifts.
My children and grandchildren now sing those songs, and I want to express my sincere, and heartfelt thanks for a very special moment that lives on, and on.
MR. DOONICAN’S RESPONSE
☘
Dear Christiane
How nice to read of your 45-year-old memory of Newcastle, City Hall. In spite of the passing years, I still recall the occasion very well. Mind you, I had no idea you were one of my backing vocalists. Thank you!
A young priest from St. Mary’s Church in Sunderland was a good friend to us theatre folk around that time, and he came to ask me for help. The nearby village church in one of the small villages had been damaged by a fire badly and needed some funds to repair the roof, hence the concert!
The same priest still remains a dear friend, and recently enjoyed his 85th birthday. Incidentally, he celebrated our daughter’s weddings and indeed christened our grandchildren. Some years ago.
I am sending him a copy of your letter. I am sure it will be as welcome in his home as it has been in the Dominicans.
I have spent over 60 wonderful years in the music world and I still get a great kick from letters such as yours.
Thank you again, Christiane much love to you, and your family.
Sincerely,
Val Doonican
Happy St. Patrick’s Day to you all! ☘
This week, I am reposting a blog in memory of Terry Wogan.
Five years ago this week, the BBC Airwaves stilled to silence. The falling tears of listeners were heard throughout the United Kingdom Island and the world.
Rest in Peace, Sir Michael Terry Wogan. We miss you. Thank you for being my friend.
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I am often asked, as I travel around promoting Amelia’s Prayer, to discuss who and/or what events inspired me to write Amelia’s Prayer.
Many things inspire me as a writer. I am fascinated with words, stories, and people. Some of my greatest sources of inspiration are singers and songwriters. Some intrigue me with their ability to tell a heartfelt story through music, all in the space of three or so minutes. In some cases, the music and lyrics are so moving that it can bring me to tears.
Other sources of inspiration have come and gone, however, I would like to share with you one person in particular that has always been a tremendous source of inspiration to me throughout the years.
Sir Michael Terry Wogan first caught my attention in 1968.
I used to listen to him on my little transistor radio, while under my blankets in bed late at night. I was 14 years old, and was supposed to be asleep.
I heard him on BBC, with his lyrical, singsong voice, and his brilliant humor. I did not really understand it, yet, something about him completely captured me. I was hooked!
I followed him through his 1970s BBC Radio. It was called “Afternoons with Wogan’‘. Who remembers “fight the flab” and “blindfold the goldfish”?
“Blindfold the goldfish, gag the cat, and give the Bab a biscuit” was his opening line!
Millions of women across the United Kingdom panted and stretched to his humorous exercise instructions for 10 minutes. It came on before the kids came home from school, and believe me, it had a lot more laughter than exercise!
When I emigrated to Canada in 1980, I was often asked, “What do you miss the most about England?” My answer always was, “Family and Friends, the North Sea, and Terry Wogan!”
Sadly, earlier this year on January 31 2016, Terry passed away.
The tears that fell from the English, and Irish, came in such a deluge. I could hear them in Canada.
What a sad day!
As for myself, I wept!
This week, to give thanks to Terry’s life, a Thanksgiving Memorial Service was celebrated at Westminster Abbey in London, England.
Family, friends, fans and numerous stars, came to honor him and pay tribute. Of course, they also came to bid him farewell. Well deserved!
Singer-songwriter Katie Melua sang “The closest thing to Crazy”. This was one of Terry’s favourite songs. Terry championed Katie through his radio show.
Peter Gabriel performed, “That’ll Do”. This is the song Terry chose for his favourite Desert Island discs in 2012.
As I listen to my podcast through my earphones under my blankets in my bed 50 years later, the sound of Terry’s giggles echoing throughout the Abbey of Westminster were indeed bittersweet.
As Joanna Lumley proclaimed in a poem specially composed by her for this sad occasion…….
“Oh, lucky cherubim and seraphim,
With breakfast hymns forever linked by him!”
As a closing to this blog, I leave you with my own gentle words…
How lucky can the heavens be, as they still, to listen and rejoice!
In the morning, when they awake, to hear his Master’s voice!
So long, farewell, goodbye, Sir Terry.
Sadly this is the end.
One more whisper towards the sky!
Thank you for being my friend!
– Christiane Banks
Welcome, and Happy Holidays to everyone.
For the Christmas blog this year I wanted to post something unique, engaging, and memorable.
It came to me that I might be able to use the experience I was fortunate enough to receive by participating in a play called “Calendar Girls”. This play is produced by Erin Theatre Group and directed by Kathryn Delroy.
“Calendar Girls” a touching true story about a courageous group of middle-aged British women raising funds for a cancer clinic. They did this by posing nude for a charity calendar. Erin Theatre was the first Canadian amateur theatre group to perform Calendar Girls. Erin Theatre also produced a calendar with all the proceeds going to a local hospice, Bethell Hospice. Bethell Hospice allowed us to take our December photo in their Lounge; they also kindly organised a private tour for the Erin Theatre group.
The things I learned and witnessed opened my eyes and heart.
In understanding dying is a part of living, I gained insight into how hospice provides a loving, caring, dignified end-of-life experience for both patients and families. There was incredible attention to detail. For example, all rooms are private and follow themes of distinct flowers, such as roses, irises, and daffodils. Each room had a perfect view of the five-acre garden.
No mirrors hung anywhere, and the floors were made of cork to keep a peaceful ambience throughout. The kitchen was open twenty-four hours a day for loved ones to share a meal at any time. A toy room provided for children to play, allowing loved ones to have final precious moments together. I was humbled and moved to be part of this fundraising effort.
I am sharing this story with you today for two reasons: one, to raise awareness around our community’s hospice. The second reason I am sharing this story to express the pride, privilege, and honour I felt taking part with the other girls. I know it took a certain amount of courage to pose for the calendar and perform in the stage production.
When I first saw the calendar, I spontaneously wept, as I could see a vulnerable beauty surrounding all the girls.
We raised $8,000 for Bethel hospice. We sold out of all eight performances, which was an outstanding achievement for the Erin Theatre Group. If you would like to view the calendar, you can see it on Erin Theatre’s website.
I learned a poignant lesson: a hospice is an intricate part of any community with a multitude of whispered blessings. One might feel this to be a rather sad tone for a Christmas-time story, however, for me, the experience was an unexpected gift!
