In show business terms, the Miracle Place -- Wiarton fundraising event featuring the appearance of Petula Clark was boffo -- a huge success.

The turnout was the largest ever to pack the 380-seat Peninsula Shores District School Performing Arts Centre, co-organizer Pamela Crawford said. With a $20 general admission fee, and CD and DVD sales, the event grossed about $7,000 for the charity.

Petula's donated appearance in a one woman show format in which she talked about her seven decade long career was a new venture for her. It worked triumphantly. From the opening moment to close she completely won over her out of town and local audiences, commanding the stage confidently with her engaging personality while relating stories of show business personages, and answering questions directed at her by the audience with candor and humor.

"We'd wondered how the audience would react to seeing Petula Clark in a non-singing stage appearance, but everyone agreed the impact of her personality more than compensated and gave our audience an entertaining evening," Pamela said.

Later, Petula speculated whether the Wiarton experience hadn't opened up yet an additional career direction for her to pursue.

The evening also was a commemorative one recalling the North American premiere of the British movie I Know Where I'm Going on April 29, 1946 in our Tobermory. Petula had a cameo role essentially in the now classic movie at the age of 13, and because of that was asked to officially open its rescreening here to bring home to the Canadian entertainment industry that the Tobermory premiere should never be forgotten. "I guess I'm the only survivor of the movie."

She confessesd that she never did get to Tobermory, Scotland, and regretted that she hadn't time to visit our Tobermory either. Her scenes in the movie were all shot in an English studio near London. The director, Michael Powell had a bullying directorial style, she recalled. This led to an embarrassing incident with her jodhpurs that you had to have attended to know about.

Lineups were long at the end of her talk when she patiently autographed new CDs and old vinyl records brought by some fans, posed for numerous photographs, and listened to the enthusiastic comments regarding her performance offered by those attending, and their appreciation for her coming to Wiarton.

The evening had begun with official greetings of welcome and appreciation from Mayor Gwen Gilbert, Paul Kastner, Chair, Miracle Place - Wiarton and Pamela Crawford for the school's Theatre Arts committee. Flowers and Sherwood Fox's book The Bruce Beckons were presented to her by them. Larry Miller, MP and Bill Murdoch, MPP, both for the riding of Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound, sent their greetings and appreciation by email after they both had to withdraw.

An email letter from Tobermory, Scotland councilor Mary Jean Devon of the Mull Community Council inviting Petula to join in singing with the Mull Gaelic Choir, and extending a welcome to peninsula folk to 'return home' for a visit to Mull was read by Paul to Petula and the audience. A scroll of the full letter was presented to Petula and to Mayor Gilbert.

Bob Durant, CFOS Radio's popular morning host was an outstanding master of ceremonies throughout in his donated role of keeping the event on track and, in particular, recognizing those fans who wanted to ask questions. Legionnaire Art Hayley, 94, came up on stage briefly to present a folder of his Legion work as an appreciation for nine-year-old Petula's entertaining Allied Forces, including Canadians, during the Second World War. In a 'phone call after her return to New York, Petula said she has enjoyed reading Art's "beautiful poems."

Only several hours before the evening event, indefatigable Petula visited Gateway Haven to a welcoming and delighted gathering of residents and staff. With volunteer Sandra Wilson, Oliphant playing background piano selections of her popular songs, adminstrator Charlie Young prevailed upon her to sing. Unprepared, and somewhat embarrassed, in an emotional moment for many, Petula complied, with mike in hand singing as she moved about the tables of residents, stopping every now and then to shake hands or kiss someone on the cheek.

Petula had been brought from New York to Wiarton in part through the courtesy of Caframo Ltd., Owen Sound Volkswagen, and volunteer driver Jeff Ebel, Oliphant. On the return trip, Pamela Crawford drove her for a brief stopover look at the beach at Sauble and a gathering of about 30 Sauble Sandpipers who apparently had not been able to buy tickets to Petula's Wiarton appearance. It was organized by Marilyn Bowman, Sandpiper president, and Bob and Bette Mortley who provided muffins and coffee for all.

Before leaving Wiarton, Petula made a personal donation to Miracle Place Wiarton. Several days after her return to New York for a recording session, she 'phoned Paul thanking the people of Wiarton and expressing enjoyment of her visit.

An unforgettable, one time visit by a extraordinarily gracious superstar with a lovely heart. Lucky Wiarton.

--Paul Kastner