The camp
has since operated every year at the same location in Ontario's beautiful
Hockley Valley, and over the years has developed a family type
atmosphere. Camp registration is limited so that the atmosphere remains
friendly and relaxed. In 1999 with the passing of Graham Townsend,
a noted Canadian fiddler and composer, Willis changed the name of the camp to the "Graham Townsend Memorial
Fiddle, Piano & Step-Dance Camp".
Every
morning at 7:00 am Uncle Willis would start the camp day off with his
own piano session playing his extensive repertoire of beautiful dance
melodies from the 40's and 50's. Phil would be allowed to join in on
mandolin.
Always present at the camp was
Willis' brother Ray, also a tireless supporter of Canadian fiddle music
and a founder of the annual fiddle contest held in Bobcaygeon, Ontario. Ray loved
the sessions, and at every lull in the playing delighted in calling
out the tunes he wished the fiddlers to play - especially "Walking Up Town!"
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