Provincial Government Names the New Bell Island Ferry
To commemorate the role of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians in global conflicts, the new ferry that will service Bell Island will be named the MV Legionnaire with the observation deck and the two passenger lounges honouring the contributions of four notable Bell Islanders – Harry Hibbs, David Nish Jackman, and Tom Fitzgerald Senior and Tom Fitzgerald Junior (Big Tom).
The Honourable David Brazil, Minister of Transportation and Works, made the announcement at a Remembrance Day Ceremony yesterday at the Royal Canadian Legion on Bell Island.
On the MV Legionnaire, the observation deck will be called the Harry Hibbs Observation Deck, while the two passenger lounges will be called the David Nish Jackman Lounge and the Tom Fitzgeralds’ Lounge – Senior and Big Tom. Information on the individuals being honoured is outlined in the enclosed backgrounder. The new ferry will arrive in Newfoundland and Labrador in February 2016.
“As the local MHA, I appreciate the well-earned reputations of Harry Hibbs, David Nish Jackman, Tom Fitzgerald Senior and his son Tom on Bell Island and throughout the province. It is important to us as a government to celebrate their accomplishments and create a connection between the new ferry and the community it will serve.”
- Minister Brazil
Recognizing the contributions of those individuals that represented Newfoundland and Labrador in global conflicts reinforces the pillars outlined in Honour 100, which was launched in 2013 and commemorates the centennial anniversaries of the First World War through to 2018.
"Harry Hibbs Returns"
By Ben Pittman
Directed by Donna Butt
Commissioned by Rising Tide Theatre
He was known as Newfoundland’s favourite son, a shy fellow who became a musical hero to the thousands of Newfoundlander’s who migrated to Ontario in the 60’s and 70’s looking for work. A replanted Bell Islander who had left his hometown at 17 to provide for his family Harry was truly one of them. With his button accordion and a great band, Harry brought the audiences to their feet dancing and singing along to the old tunes that reminded them of home. Newfoundland clubs were a feature of Ontario then and Harry filled them. His popularity soared, he hosted a TV show from the Caribou Club, he sold gold records and he brought joy to thousands. Along the way there were great highs and sad lows but always there was that smile, that wink, that celebrity who was just one of the folks. Harry died before his last tour to Newfoundland. With this show his times and his music live again. A fabulous cast led by Michael Power as Harry, with a band led by Bryan Hennessey.
"Harry's Lookout"
Harry's Lookout The lookout is located about one third up the Beach Hill on your left. It provides a spectacular view of The Tickle as the ferries come and go all day. It is a photographer and sightseers delight. The lookout is handicap accessible. The lookout is dedicated to Bell Island’s own Harry Hibbs. Arguably Harry Hibbs, in the 1960’s and early Seventies, Harry Hibbs, put Newfoundland music on the national map. He produced over 26 albums and sold over eight million records. Those sales would have been impressive by today’s standards, but in a short career that spanned only ten years in the sixties, it was downright miraculous. With his laid back personality, his salt and pepper hat, his pipe and his button accordion, he became Bell Island’s and Newfoundland’s ambassador across our great nation. He entertained people from coast to coast. Sadly Harry Hibbs passed away on December 21st, 1989 as he was set to make a comeback. He was only forty seven years old. Harry’s Lookout is for Tourism Bell Island a place where anyone can take the stage as Harry did so long ago. It is a living monument to one of Newfoundland’s greatest musical talents and Bell Island’s greatest musical talent. From time to time, during the summer, local entertainment performs at the Lookout. At all times Harry’s Lookout is free to play your music or tell your stories or just come and enjoy the view from the Beach Hill and remember the Bell Island Boy, Harry Hibbs.
YouTube
Olive Bayle, fondly remembered
Olive's first recording "In Shame Love in Shame" at the age of 20 years was a poignant story about Sean McCarthy's sister Peggy who had a child out of wedlock and how it was regarded as a travesty and the sad events that followed. Olive went on to play Carnegie Hall in New York and toured with The Wolftones and many famous Irish Showbands.
Olive passed away in 2007 and will always be remembered as a gentle soul with a beautiful voice.
News
NOVA SCOTIA MUSIC HALL OF FAME
Five new members are to be inducted in to the Casino Nova Scotia Music Hall of Fame at a ceremony being held at Sydney's Centre 200 on Nov. 16. The second annual recognizes the inductees for their contributions in "promoting Canada’s East Coast culture and music beyond Atlantic Canada". Named are Natalie MacMaster (NS), Gene MacLellan (PEI), Harry Hibbs (NL), Ken Tobias (NB) and Joella Foulds (Industry). Foulds, OC, a former journalist, born in BC, has deep roots in Nova Scotia, receiving the Industry Builder Award from the East Coast Music Association in 2000, and is credited as co-founder of the Celtic Colours International Festival. Click here for full story on "Liner Notes"