After a few sessions, Viola expressed her desire to play the violin. When we required someone to replace her, she suggested Lloyd MacCuaig, from Vanleek Hill, who was pleased to join the group as was Bill Connors, violinist from East Hawkesbury Ontario, who was also invited. These members formed the original Lochiel Strings in 1983. The name, suggested by Jean Marie Lacombe was instantly approved.
Viola MacCuaig arranged for us to meet at her home in the Dalhousie area and later other members opened their homes to welcome everyone. Sometimes space was limited, but we always managed to have a great time learning new pieces and practicing old ones. The evenings terminated with a light lunch, a cup of tea and a fun loving social hour. Each member’s birthday was celebrated as well at this time.
The first additional fiddlers to join our group were Alphonse Bourbonnais, Donald Joseph MacPhee, a well known violin teacher at the Glengarry District High School Night Classes from Alexandria, Duncan MacDonald, a former fiddler of the Skye Orchestra, the MacCrimmon Orchestra and The MacDonald Dougie Orchestra, and Gerald McGillis from Alexandria, Ontario – a fiddler from a very young age. With these new additions we formed a very promising group. We all enjoyed the learning and practice sessions and the social aspect of our weekly gatherings.
Jean Duval composed music for special occasions- laments for the passing of Lochiel Strings members. At Paul Lacombe’s passing (March 4th, 1989) he composed “Paul’s Last Return To The Glen.” After Alphonse Bourbonnais’ death (April 6th 1990), he composed “Hommage a Alphonse Bourbonnais.” At Viola MacCuaig’s passing (Feb. 5th 1994) he composed “Farewell to Viola.” These three laments were played by the Lochiel Strings at their respective funerals. At Gerald McGillis’ death (July 23rd, 2002), he composed “Tribute to Gerald McGillis” – played by himself on the flute accompanied by Linda Docker, organist. The Lochiel Strings Members played as well at his service of remembrance.
During a visit to Vancouver, British Columbia, Paul Lacombe met Pat Hauser, a pianist and violinist, and later the violin group with whom she played. While there, a great music exchange between the two musicians flourished. After Paul passed away suddenly in 1989, Mrs. Hauser phoned Jean Marie Lacombe and expressed a desire to meet the group about which Paul had spoken, and whose music Paul had shared with her.
In the Autumn of 1989, she moved to Alexandria, Ontario, and became a Lochiel Strings member. Unfortunately, Pat returned to the West in 1993. New members who joined later included Allan Munro, Rod MacPhee, Isobel MacDonald, and Evelyn MacDonald.
The most recent members to pass away are Allan Munro, on June 30th 2002; and Gerald McGillis, on June 23rd, 2002- two loyal members and a great loss to our group.
Although we have lost some of our members along the years, their memory will always live on in our music. The group has grown and persevered throughout the years, and I believe that we all share a common bond – our love of music.
