2023-08-16

Singer-songwriter recognized for sharing his talent

SOUTH SHORE – Winston Shatford has been entertaining crowds for a long time, but is now in the stage of "semi-retirement."

Earlier this year, he was recognized by the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg for his 60 years of service, playing and singing at mostly fundraises throughout the municipality. "In recognition of 60 years of contribution and dedication to Country Music in your Community," read the certificate.

"My mom had put a guitar in my hand and I started learn to play and I've done it ever since," he said. "My first time on stage I was seven years old and I walked on the stage at the Chester theatre, which is now the Chester playhouse, and I did a song."

Since that first time, he has kept busy performing at event such as the Mackerel Snappers Picnic, Canada Day events, fire departments, churches, community halls and in nursing homes throughout Lunenburg County. "Whoever needs to raise funds," he said.

May 14, Mother's Day was pegged to be his retirement concert, but he continues to perform.

Not only does he play "old country" music, he has written quite a few songs including one about the boys from Bathurst (where seven high school players were killed in a bus accident in 2008) and Karissa Boudreau.

"I've had quite a good response about the one on the Boys of Bathurst, if you remember that accident. That went along way and I even got word from Ottawa and sent the song up there to be put in the archives," he said.

He is also well known for doing sound for a number of artists at concerts including the Shriner's concerts held at the Bridgewater Fire Hall many years ago and remembers working during Sharon Rhyno's concerts. At one point, he said, he was kept busy doing concerts for 13 weeks in a row.

"I'm not giving it up. I'm not going to sit home and twiddle my thumbs," said the 84 year old. "It's something I like to do."