FROM SCOWIE ..............
This event held at the Irish World Heritage Centre Manchester,on the 16th of feb was a huge success.
The day was opened and blessed by Joe's Parish Priest,father david,who the enlivened the the singaround with a Bob Dylan Song.It was a session of rare quality,and produced many anecdotes of Joe and his times.
Then to the accompaniment of the pipes,followed the the Grand Irish Buffet Meal{and grand it was too!} complete with Guiness so thick
" you could trot a pony on the head" all reinforcing that Nations reputation for hospitality,writ large.
After a suitable interval came the "Giant Raffle" of donated prizes,an enormous affair.then a sale of Joe's own collection of Song Books, at knock down prices...since his family insisted they go to appreciative homes,within the Folk Song World.
As a result of both the above ,many returned home with a bargain,a momento or a prize.
We were then ready for the Ceili.Our Scratch Band revealeed itself to be a marvellous thing and wonders were performed under the direction of "master Caller...Geoff Miller, proving himself to be at the very top of his trade.
The Evening concluded with a final "Sing" to see us home.
I and Joe's Family would like to thank the Irish Centre, all who were involved and all who attended, particularly "my Comrades of the Fireside Fusiliers" who rallied to the Bugle magnificently.
Joe's Grandchildren were a delight the whole day through [ Joe would have been proud of them]. Their efforts with the raffle meant that a Creditable Sum was raised for the British Heart Foundation.

In Total £894.41 has been passed on to them.

   JOE " was There , and His Smile reached down to everyone of us.
             GRATEFUL THANKS,
                                  SLAINTE ,
                                             SCOWIE .

    All I can add is WELL DONE SCOWIE.....................