Elaine Gow: Eastwood Uniting Church Musical Society
Over the 43 years of the Eastwood Uniting Church Musical Society Elaine Gow has been involved in every production except two when she was overseas. In 1963 she became a foundation member and has been active every year since. On the Production side Elaine has left no craft untouched. She has directed 14 shows, been production manager for five, three as wardrobe mistress, acted as rehearsal pianist and co-wrote scripts for our 25th and 30th anniversary shows.
She has been choreographer, a member of the make-up team, house manager and of late performed the role of 'continuity'. She has taken the role of continuity to new extremes in EUCMS current production of The Whitehorse Inn - filling in for the Director when she fell down the stairs and broke her ribs, filling in for the musical director one night and substituting for any lead who does not turn up.
On the stage Elaine has been cast in 23 principal roles including Mother Abbess in The Sound of Music, Tevye's wife in Fiddler on the Roof, the Countess in Song of Norway and the Reporter in Free as Air. She has been in the chorus also seven times. Elaine has served on the executive for 30 years - including two terms as President, seven as secretary, and many more on publicity and audition duties. A special part of the life of EUCMS is their commitment to worship together for special occasions. Elaine has organised many of their annual church services and plays for the Christmas season. In 2003 she co-ordinated many of EUCMS 40th anniversary concert parties and performances in retirement villages.
Her long commitment means that there are very few members whom she does not know well and this knowledge has been used for PR in sending cards and arranging gifts when society members recognise a special event. EUCMS acknowledge Elaine's broad and deep contribution to her society.