Talented singer raised money for rink fund

Miss Dianne Parker was being congratulated in the summer of 1949 for receiving a scholarship of $1,000, granted to her by the Nova Scotia Talent Trust.

The trust had been established in 1935 to aid native-born Nova Scotians with outstanding and exceptional ability, the funds having been provided by the provincial government.

Miss Parker was a student of Mario Vetra, head of the vocal department of the Halifax Conservatory of Music, and she would continue her studies under Mr. Vetra.

The talented Berwick girl was only 18 years of age and had graduated from Berwick High School and entered Dalhousie University and the Halifax Conservatory of Music the year previous.

In 1951, Berwick’s centennial celebrations and the Berwick Gala Days organizers planned a dual event, with the proceeds going to the fund to replace the arena, destroyed by fire in 1948. The highlight, in fact, of the centennial program was arranged with that stipulation expressed by the principal artist.

It was Miss Diane Parker, Berwick’s noted contribution to vocal music, who assured the committee of an enthusiastic willingness for presenting a public recital in her home town. Committee members were highly gratified by Miss Parker’s attitude, realizing the recital called for a degree of self-sacrifice by the artist who was engaged in a course of study and in professional work in Halifax which left her with very little spare time.

Berwick’s Baptist Church was filled to capacity Friday evening to greet Berwick’s talented young singer, who volunteered her time to the centennial celebration. The recital had been scheduled for the Berwick United Church, but the response was such the event was moved to the Baptist church, which could hold 100 more people. Even then, chairs had to be placed at the rear of the church to accommodate the crowd.

The large attendance was a warm tribute to a distinguished artist, always a favourite in Berwick. Miss Parker displayed a very pleasing stage manner, was dignified and poised, with a charming personality. There was every evidence of great talent.

Earle Spicer, ballad singer, commenting on the recital, said, “she gave a most successful recital and we shall watch her future with added interest.”

Mrs. A.W. MacKinnon, her first vocal teacher, said she was very gratified with the singer’s improvement in facial expression, as well as in her voice and the dignity of her stage manners.