Friday 16th September marked the 24th year that St Margaret’s has hosted Friend-Link for a College variety concert.
Dunedin Friend-Link supports people with intellectual/learning disabilities, and those without disabilities, to participate, contribute and belong to the Dunedin community. St Margaret’s College annual Friend-Link concert has taken place since 1997, apart from the two years when COVID-restrictions were in place.
Guests arrived at sunset on a superb spring evening. Much to their surprise they were greeted by our resident bagpiper, College Leader Kleff Tan, who piped them into the College. It was the first experience of the pipes for many, and there was much appreciation for this special treat.
The hour-long variety concert was ably organised by Camille Bennett, the Arts Representative on this year’s Executive Committee. She arranged a stunning line-up, including piano solos, Indian dancing, a rendition of the Friends theme song on viola, solo and group singing performances accompanied by guitar and piano, and two songs by the St Margaret’s College choir.
One of the highlights of the night was Luke Stedman singing Bare Necessities, accompanied by Ben Carson on piano (both of whom are College Leaders).
At the end of the concert, the College was surprised by over twenty Friend-Link members singing a song of their own. The song expressed the joy that music and singing brings to everyone and was a beautiful way to end the concert.
Afterwards, guests and College members mingled in the Dining Hall and enjoyed a delicious supper supplied by the College kitchen staff. The College was delighted to receive a book written by Friend-Link member Tayla Sloot entitled My life with Cerebral Palsy. It will be placed in the College Library.
It was truly a night to remember, and we can’t wait for our quarter century Friend-Link concert anniversary next year!
