NEWINGTON – The air in the South Stormont village of Newington was filled with the sound of bagpipes Thursday night as part of a special gift for a local woman.
Rachelle Monette has been holed up in her Fairground Drive home since the coronavirus pandemic began in March, only going out for essential items or appointments.
As a way to lift the spirits of the 76-year-old, her daughter, Jo-Anne Lauzon, ordered a bagpipe concert in Rachelle’s back yard.
Jo-Anne says she got the idea from seeing other people on TV have violinists or bagpipers perform concerts for loved ones.
Winchester bagpiper Hugh Metcalfe, a pipe major for the Kemptville Legion Pipes & Drums, played for around 45 minutes with some recognizable music, reminiscent of the Glengarry Highland Games, as Rachelle and Jo-Anne sat in chairs near a backyard pond.
“That’s my favourite!” Monette exclaimed as Metcalfe played Amazing Grace. When asked if she had any requests, she said “all the good ones,” with a laugh.
The concert could be heard clear across the village, with some neighbourhood dogs reacting to the pipes. It even lured in a couple of curious neighbours who enjoyed the music as well, socially distanced on the lawn.
“I have the best daughter,” Rachelle beamed.
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