Since 1984, three fellows have been going to St. Joseph’s General Hospital to play music for the residents of the extended care unit.
In 1984, Glen Hiebert's wife worked at the hospital and the activity department was in need of some music for dinner parties. Hiebert, Bob Casavant and Art McMartin offered to come and play.
This was the start of them playing for a lot of occasions and events at the hospital such as birthdays, Halloween and Christmas parties.
In 1986, the Old Time Fiddlers started in the Valley. As members, Hiebert, Casavant and McMartin have continued to play once a month for extended care residents.
The Catholic women provide the tea, coffee and treats and through the years they have been joined by many musicians of the Branch l7 Old Time Fiddlers who have played countless tunes and sang many songs for those in care.
In 1984, everyone loved to hear and sing along to You Are My Sunshine and today this song is still everyone's favourite request.
Branch 17, the North Island Old Time Fiddlers, have also gone each month since 1986 to Glacier View and Cumberland intermediate care, and consider it a privilege to entertain these folks.