Christchurch Folk Music Club

Recipients of Christchurch Civic Awards 2019 – Judi Smitheram

Article care of: Christchurch City Council

 

“Folk music is the voice of the community, the voice that traditionally comforts the disturbed and disturbs the comfortable. It is the music that binds the generations together, the harmony that bridges ages, cultures and every social level. For the last four years she has been the Secretary of the Christchurch Folk Music Club, and President of the Canterbury Folk Music Festival, a task into which she has poured countless hours of dedication.

Thanks in large part to her commitment, the Festival is recognised within the world of folk music as a national event, attracting not only local musicians, but artists from such faraway lands as Finland, Denmark, Ghana and Auckland. She is deeply involved in all aspects of the activities of the club and the festival, managing guests and finance, arranging catering, cleaning and accommodation, and organising children’s activities. Her love of folk music as an art form and as a vehicle for social connections is boundless, and infectious to all around her.

Always willing to do more, give more, and take less, she is adept at little touches, making working with her a joy, not only for her administrative skills but also for her baking and flowers. She is a truly outstanding woman.”

– Christchurch City Council – 2019

More coverage: CCC Newsline

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