The Mortlach Fiddlers consist of a group of retired seniors who got together a few years ago, mainly for their own enjoyment and to play at local functions, such as senior's gatherings, wedding anniversaries, and so on.
Most of them have known each other all their lives and have played together off and on at one time or another over the last sixty-five or seventy years.
But it was in the early 80's that they found the time, in retirement, to organize as the "Mortlach Fiddlers". Their personel has changed over the years, but they still have four original members: Haldon Hodgins--leader, Vernon Rowe, and Walter Cumming on fiddles, and Elwood Peterson on piano.
Percy Rowe, an original member, passed away in 1987, Bernard Hooper, in 1999. Joe McIntyre, and Margaret Garner, have retired for health reasons. Some others have come and gone over the years, the most notable being Bennie Mercado, who played with the fiddlers from 1985-1997 when he returned to his home land, the Philippines, and passed away that year.
At present, they have four fiddles, piano, banjo and bass. They are a non-profit organization, and as such, make no charge for their services. Honorariums they receive take care of expenses.
In 1984, they made their first recording, a cassette recording, and it went over so well that they followed it with six more in the next six years. They have sold close to 10,000 tapes. The proceeds from the sale of tapes, over expenses, are donated to charitable organizations.
They entertain regularly at the several seniors homes in Moose Jaw, as well as playing for old-time dances, anniversaries, etc.
In July 1992, the "Fiddlers" co-sponsored an Old-Time Fiddlers Jamboree at Besant Park along with the Park Management. This has become an annual event and has grown to proportions each year until in 1999, 20 bands participated and the event attracted nearly 5,000 spectators.
In October 1998, the Mortlach Fiddlers were recognized by the provincial body of the Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association and received an award of merrit for their volunteer work, especially for their contribution to the development of parks and recreation in the Province of Saskatchewan.
In June 1999, the community honored the "Fiddlers" by erecting a large sign on the highway reading "Mortlach--Home of the Mortlach Fiddlers". They actually had a whole day of celebration, ending with a program in the evening at the Rink.
"As we swing into the new millenium, the Mortlach Fiddlers plan to carry on as long as we can. We have four fiddlers all over 80 years. The other band members are a little younger. We're always on the look-out for some younger fiddlers to replace us. In the meantime, we will continue our volunteer work, God Willing, and health permitting. We enjoy doing it."