Eleanor Nicoll, a longtime promoter of the arts in 100 Mile House, was honoured by the arts community for the many contributions she has made over the years at a student music recital Nov. 18.
It came with a farewell, as Nicoll recently stepped away from direct involvement with the 100 Mile Festival of the Arts committee of which she was a member since 1977.
She held the position of festival president for five years, giving up the seat in June at the 2011 Festival annual general meeting.
A bouquet of flowers was presented to Nicoll, and new festival president Mary Ann Robertson talked about the contributions Nicoll has made to the arts community. These include being a flute teacher and a flute player who has been called on many times to perform in local concerts, church cantatas, performing arts productions, and a student's ensemble partner at Festival of Arts. She served on the executive of the 100 Mile Arts Council, volunteered at the annual Winter Arts and Crafts Fair and volunteers her time weekly at Parkside Art Gallery.
Congratulations from Dennis Tupman, a respected local arts advocate and recent recipient of a Doctor of Laws from the University of Victoria, was read by festival vice-president Marilyn Buyer, as Tupman's presence at the event was prevented by a snow storm.
He urged the crowd gathered at the event give Nicoll a standing ovation, and as one, people rose to their feet and clapped for a long time with gratitude and appreciation apparent in their eyes.
Later, Nicoll said it has been a privilege and a pleasure working with the festival and the other organizations she's been involved in. "It's always a two-way street, these things. I've learned so much and benefited so much as well."
