13th Musselburgh Festival 1987
by Norrie Williams
B&F April 1987
MUSSELBURGH 1987
Under 12 Traditional Accordion Solo
1) Lindsay Torrie (Armadale)
2) Craig Skinner (Blackridge)
3) Mhairi Coutts (Kirkcaldy)
12 and Under 16 Traditional Solo
1) James Coutts (Kirkcaldy)
2) Russell Torrie (Armadale)
3) Bruce Lindsay (Windygates)
Junior Accordion Solo Pipe Music
1) Lynn Gould (Huntly)
2) James Coutts (Kirkcaldy)
3) Wayne Robertson (Marywell)
Senior Accordion Traditional Solo
1) Gordon Shand (Tillicoutry)
2) Karin Leitch (Ayr)
3) Willie McGuire (Dysart)
Senior Accordion Pipe Music Solo
1) Sandy Watson (Armadale)
2) Andrew Peebles (Forfar)
3) Raymond Laidlaw (Pencaitland)
Accordion – Overall Champion (The Bobby MacLeod Trophy)
Junior Traditional Duet
1) Kathryn & Billy Nicoll (Kirriemuir)
2) James & Mhairi Coutts (Kirkcaldy)
3) Bruce Lindsay (Windygates) and Allison Dewar (Kingskettle)
Trio
1) Elizabeth MacKenzie (Dunnet)
2) Marie Fielding (Lasswade)
Band (Iain MacPhail Cup and Arthur Easson Memorial Trophy
1) James Coutts (Kirkcaldy)
Own Composition
1=) Marie Fielding (Lasswade) & Ian Lowthian (Selkirk)
2) Jacqueline Gilkes (Ledaig)
Under 12 Classical Solo
1) Lindsay Torrie (Armadale)
2) Craig Skinner (Blackridge)
3) Colin McNeill (Carluke)
Under 14 Classical Solo
1) Garry McEwan (Gifford)
2) Wayne Robertson (Marywell)
3) Graeme Forsyth (Foulden)
Under 16 Classical Solo
1) Mary Fraser (Strathaven)
2) Stewart Law (Newmains)
3) Grant Leslie (Dunbar)
Open Classical Solo
1) James Grant (Eyemouth)
2) Una Bryson (Lesmahagow)
3) David Preston (Shotts)
Under 16 Classical Duet
1) Stewart Law (Newmains) & Angeline McCloy (Wishaw)
2) Isla & Cameron Gibson (Gifford)
Open Classical Duet
1) Morag Cunningham (Dunbar) & Julie Forsyth (Foulden)
Junior Fiddle Solo - MSR
1) Inga Scott (Kintore)
2) Allison Dewar (Kingskettle)
3) Kathryn Nicoll (Kirriemuir)
Junior Fiddle Solo – Slow Air
1) Eilidh shaw (Taynault)
2) Tracey Moir (Banchory)
3) Allison Dewar (Kingskettle)
Senior Fiddle Solo – Slow Strathspey, MSR
1) Rebecca Hunter (Banchory)
2) Joan McLachlan (Oban)
3) Duncan Dyker (Inverness)
Senior Fiddle Solo – Slow Air
1) Rebecca Hunter (Banchory)
2) Neil Dawson (Huntly)
3) Emma Rayworth (Kirkfieldbank)
Fiddle – Overall Champion (The Angus Fitchet Trophy)
Rebecca Hunter (Banchory)
Musselburgh ‘87
A ‘Rail’ Winner
By Norrie Williams
An apt description of this year’s Festival, i.e. if one happens to be Irish, but for Mr Charlie Wilson of Dalkeith it was fact. Charlie won the star prize in this year’s raffle – a first class return for two by rail between any two stations of his choice in the U.K. to be used at some time during the next 12 months. Tremendous stuff. The Festival Committee are greatly indebted to Scot Rail for this most generous gesture.
Every year I go on about the atmosphere at the Brunton Halls and this occasion was no exception. Even at 7am the place was bright, warm and welcoming. It looked and smelt fresh and clean. A squad of ladies bustled around, sweeping, dusting and polishing, and caretaker Bill Gray was there to greet us, ready to help in whatever way he could. We immediately felt at home and, strange to say, an exhibition of local paintings, which at first glance gave the impression of being a potential hindrance, proved to be an asset in providing secluded bays for the accordion exhibitors who certainly went tot town in putting on mouth-watering displays of their wares.
And talking of secluded bays, our first glance into the theatre stopped us dead in our tracks. The Duke of Roxburgh and his Blackmount Forest had nothing on this lot. There was real grass turf where the stage had always been ; there were tree stumps, even a tree – a real tree! – and ankle deep dead leaves everywhere. Being quick on the uptake at that hour in the morning we eventually rumbled that this glade wasn’t a dream of a bad joke but a prop for a current drama production, but we also began to realise its potential as a most appropriate backdrop for Senior fiddle and Accordion (Pipe Music) sections.
It is difficult to explain why, but this particular Festival, albeit the 13th, felt right from the word go through to the last notes of ‘Kate Dalrymple’ at midnight. It had atmosphere and although laid back and relaxed it was nevertheless swinging and very much alive all the way. From our positions in the field, Sheila and I are normally very conscious of all the warts and hiccups, but this year they were virtually non-existent, just the occasional minor ripple – an air of contentment throughout. Any criticisms were constructive.
Helpers and stewards began arriving from 7.15 onwards and by 8 o’clock a sizeable squad was on site and our confidence and anticipation began to mount. About this time a large reassuring figure appeared through the swing doors and crossed to Reception with characteristic jaunty walk and beaming smile – big Bill Black from Stanley.
We felt safe, and this feeling of security was reinforced a little later when Association Chairman Jimmy Blue arrived. With these two eminent button-key men joining all the other enthusiastic volunteers we were fielding a strong team. Incidentally, the Festival Secretary remarked on several occasions during the day how encouraging it was to have so many of the younger generation on the ‘staff’ and prepared to work like beavers.
Well before 8.30 the tempo was building up, competitors and parents and friends were milling about looking for wee practice howffs. The first adjudicators were in, and it was decision time, screens or no screens. Hitherto they had almost always been used for all sections, with just the occasional exception in the case of the fiddle, but a school of thought had come to the fore in the last year which felt that they could be dispensed with if the adjudicators so wished, so our first shift of intrepid souls were given the choice and, with one exception, decided to go ‘open’. Surprisingly on the day, and up to the present, no adverse reactions have been forthcoming. The adjudicators themselves were agreeably surprised to find that the exposure didn’t present any problems.
At 9am almost on the dot, the first competitions were under way, the Senior Accordion (Pipe Music) in the Theatre and the 12 ans Under 16 Traditional Accordion in the Main Hall. I popped into the later for a few minutes just after the start. It was quite uncanny, 2 adjudicators, 1 secretary, no screens, 8 spectators, 1 announcer and 1 competitor but despite the size and emptiness, the sound and playing were great, and believe it or not, so was the atmosphere. One felt a tremendous affinity with the players and willed them to do well. The standard? – just how far can we go? It was heart-warming to see the announcer newsing away to the young competitors during that ‘wish the earth would open period’ before the bell. And the well deserved applause from only 8 pairs of hands was warm and sincere.
Then into the ‘Blackmount Forest’ to see how the pipe stuff was going. There were a few more in the Theatre but then it is only pint-sized against the big hall. A few blissful goose-pimples from ‘The Paps of Glencoe’ and it was back to the grindstone.
Needless to say the time just flew in and all the while that atmosphere was present. So many happy meetings with kindred spirits as acquaintances were renewed and new ones made ; just not enough hours in the day.
For much of the time, Reception resembled an orderly battlefield, with competitors and supporters clamouring for adjudication sheets, dumping accordions, buying tickets for this and that, registering and so on. Beats me how the folk behind the counter kept their cool, but no problem.
The Senior Traditional Accordion section finished around 3pm and the Trios were next. The Main Hall was now well filled and suddenly someone realised a piano was required. The ‘grand’ down on the floor was no use to the players on stage so a mad dash for the nearest upright. Three stewards grabbed one end and, with brilliant red faces and veins standing out like ‘tattie dreels’ they heaved and strained up the steps while the other end was nonchalantly supported by a cucumber cool Bill Black on his tod and almost with one hand! The audience rolled about. A moment to savour.
Another such occurred during the Winners’ Concert, when the youngest competitor of the day was presented with his special medal by Chairman Jimmy Blue. 9-year-old Andrew Gordon of Bonhill, resplendent in kilt and jacket, stood to attention unto the manner born as the ribbon was placed round his neck and then continued to stand rigidly to attention awaiting the next move. The audience were enjoying this. Eventually the young las marched from the stage with dignity taking the Chairman with him. The Concert was most ably compered by Andrew Nairn (now of Culross), an old hand at the game. This was evident from his completely unflustered approach when everything behind the stage was ‘fleein’ and he knew that he might not even have a following turn ready in the wings. However he steered it successfully through to the concluding stramash, which featured the winning Trio augmented by several of the fiddlers and accordionists who had already performed. Andrew was once again deputizing for Alex Little who is still on the mend after a fairly recent operation – we all wish him a good recovery.
The opening spot in the Concert was taken by the winning Band, two of whom had to dash off at 7pm to play at a dance. As always, the Band competition was one of the high spots of the day. What an atmosphere (sorry about that word again) – a packed hall, nine bands, and all good, each with their own special something. Another ‘magic moment’ occurred during this section when one group fielding an electric bass required a power point and a ‘Mountain to Mohammed’ impersonation – the entire band, including oiano, vamoosing right up one end of the stage to reach the ‘sparks’. Any further and they would have been out of earshot.
Throughout the afternoon’s proceedings and the Concert those absolute professionals, the B.B.C. Scotland ‘TTF’ team, under ‘Mr Cool’ himself, Producer Ken Mutch, ‘spirited’ about, recording for a couple of ‘Shepherd’s Fancy’ programmes. I know I’ve raved off about this before, but no one bar professionals could possibly achieve what they do – anything, if you see what I mean. No rushing here and there, they just drift, and the recording engineers with all their gear seem to come out of the ‘Dunecht Loon’s’ pocket. To see them all at work, interviewing quite unperturbed while being jostled by a milling crowd in the concourse outside the Main Hall was an eye opener. And in the wings during the Concert where the Senior Accordion finalists and other performers were a wee bit on edge and folk were dashing in and out, Joyce Reid remained sphinx-like, speaking and smiling quietly only as and when required. Her presence certainly had a calming influence on those around. Our thanks again to this tremendous team.
Following the Concert an incredibly slick chair clearing operation by the Chief Steward and his team, and the ‘let the hair down’ part of the day got under way – the dance. We already knew how good the Colin Dewar Band could be, but they certainly exceeded all expectations. The place was jumping right from the first note right through until the witching hour, and that six-piece led by Colin (from Kingskettle) on Morino never spared itself for a second. And considering that three of the band had just flown in that very morning from a double engagement in the Shetlands and that they had attended a photo session for a record sleeve in the afternoon, it was a remarkable performance. The many favourable comments said it all. On behalf of all present, thank you to Colin and his colleagues for a sparkling finish.
Unfortunately, or perhaps fortunately, space precludes me from waffling on at greater length – I’ve had to miss an awful lot out, but in closing may I express the sincere gratitude of the Festival Committee to the following, and also, of course, sincere apologies to any I miss out.
All competitors – without you no Festival – you’re the very essence. And what a standard in all classes.
Adjudicators – Freeland Barbour, Peter Bruce, John Carmichael, Charlie Cowie, Jack Delaney, Cyril Pasby, Kenny Wilson. Brave men, you did us proud, and as yet no dissenting voices.
Accompanists – Joan Blue, Morag MacAskill. Your hard work before and during the event and your sensitivity to the players greatly appreciated.
Helpers (all denominations)
Beith – Cathy Andrew
Dingwall – Nancy & John McKenzie
DunferMline – Andrew Nairn, Joe Greer.
Dundee – Ken Scott, Maureen and Neil Copland, Anne Rutherford, Joyce Reid.
Fintry – Frank Farquharson.
Galston – David Ross and Derek Hamilton.
Lesmahagow – Willie and Maisie Wilson, Charlie Todd and Annie Buchanan.
M.A.F.I.A. – Bill & Lydia Buchan
Newtongrange – Margaret & George Smith, Gibby Lang and Bill Humble.
Perth – Jimmy Blue, Bill Black, Sheena Russell.
Renfrew – Ian Murchieson, Angus McKinnon.
Torthorwald – Christine Hunter.
Unattached - Lynne and Fraser Williams, Karen Scott
B.B.C. - Jimmy Mack, Art Sutter, Robbie Shepherd
Radio Clyde – Gordon Hotchkin
Radio Forth – Robin Brock
Radio Highland – Andy Ross
Radio Tay – Billy Anderson
Radio West Sound – John Carmichael
From the feedback we’ve had, quite a few folk only learned of the date and venue by listening in. The air time devoted to our cause was most gratifying.
What can one say. You turned your hands to anything and everything. An incredible bunch.
Music teachers – for all your support with your pupils.
Exhibitors – D.S.M.Music (Inverness)
Rolston Accordions (Motherwell)
Bell Accordions (Darlington)
A great contribution to the scene and the atmosphere.
Caterers – Mr a. Lamb and staff. Excellent food, first class service. Many appreciative comments.
Brunton Halls staff – to each and every one – you could not have been more helpful.
Raffle prizes – to all Clubs who donated. Without you we would have been £212 less.
To Ronnie Brown (Wishaw) of the N.A.O. Committee – for help and advice.
To Mr Neil Lowry – for coming once again all the way from Ballynahinch, County Down. What a journey.
To Mr John McQueen – for Youngest Competitor medal.
And finally, personal thanks to my own Festival Committee for the power of work done throughout the season and on the day. Joan Blue, Tom Clark, Eddie MacDonald, Bob and Anne Scott, Sheila Williams, Willie Wilson (we all wish him a continued steady recovery and return to full health – it was great of him to come through to Musselburgh for a couple of hours).
Under 12 Traditional Accordion Solo
1) Lindsay Torrie (Armadale)
2) Craig Skinner (Blackridge)
3) Mhairi Coutts (Kirkcaldy)
12 and Under 16 Traditional Solo
1) James Coutts (Kirkcaldy)
2) Russell Torrie (Armadale)
3) Bruce Lindsay (Windygates)
Junior Accordion Solo Pipe Music
1) Lynn Gould (Huntly)
2) James Coutts (Kirkcaldy)
3) Wayne Robertson (Marywell)
Senior Accordion Traditional Solo
1) Gordon Shand (Tillicoutry)
2) Karin Leitch (Ayr)
3) Willie McGuire (Dysart)
Senior Accordion Pipe Music Solo
1) Sandy Watson (Armadale)
2) Andrew Peebles (Forfar)
3) Raymond Laidlaw (Pencaitland)
Accordion – Overall Champion (The Bobby MacLeod Trophy)
Junior Traditional Duet
1) Kathryn & Billy Nicoll (Kirriemuir)
2) James & Mhairi Coutts (Kirkcaldy)
3) Bruce Lindsay (Windygates) and Allison Dewar (Kingskettle)
Trio
1) Elizabeth MacKenzie (Dunnet)
2) Marie Fielding (Lasswade)
Band (Iain MacPhail Cup and Arthur Easson Memorial Trophy
1) James Coutts (Kirkcaldy)
Own Composition
1=) Marie Fielding (Lasswade) & Ian Lowthian (Selkirk)
2) Jacqueline Gilkes (Ledaig)
Under 12 Classical Solo
1) Lindsay Torrie (Armadale)
2) Craig Skinner (Blackridge)
3) Colin McNeill (Carluke)
Under 14 Classical Solo
1) Garry McEwan (Gifford)
2) Wayne Robertson (Marywell)
3) Graeme Forsyth (Foulden)
Under 16 Classical Solo
1) Mary Fraser (Strathaven)
2) Stewart Law (Newmains)
3) Grant Leslie (Dunbar)
Open Classical Solo
1) James Grant (Eyemouth)
2) Una Bryson (Lesmahagow)
3) David Preston (Shotts)
Under 16 Classical Duet
1) Stewart Law (Newmains) & Angeline McCloy (Wishaw)
2) Isla & Cameron Gibson (Gifford)
Open Classical Duet
1) Morag Cunningham (Dunbar) & Julie Forsyth (Foulden)
Junior Fiddle Solo - MSR
1) Inga Scott (Kintore)
2) Allison Dewar (Kingskettle)
3) Kathryn Nicoll (Kirriemuir)
Junior Fiddle Solo – Slow Air
1) Eilidh shaw (Taynault)
2) Tracey Moir (Banchory)
3) Allison Dewar (Kingskettle)
Senior Fiddle Solo – Slow Strathspey, MSR
1) Rebecca Hunter (Banchory)
2) Joan McLachlan (Oban)
3) Duncan Dyker (Inverness)
Senior Fiddle Solo – Slow Air
1) Rebecca Hunter (Banchory)
2) Neil Dawson (Huntly)
3) Emma Rayworth (Kirkfieldbank)
Fiddle – Overall Champion (The Angus Fitchet Trophy)
Rebecca Hunter (Banchory)
Musselburgh ‘87
A ‘Rail’ Winner
By Norrie Williams
An apt description of this year’s Festival, i.e. if one happens to be Irish, but for Mr Charlie Wilson of Dalkeith it was fact. Charlie won the star prize in this year’s raffle – a first class return for two by rail between any two stations of his choice in the U.K. to be used at some time during the next 12 months. Tremendous stuff. The Festival Committee are greatly indebted to Scot Rail for this most generous gesture.
Every year I go on about the atmosphere at the Brunton Halls and this occasion was no exception. Even at 7am the place was bright, warm and welcoming. It looked and smelt fresh and clean. A squad of ladies bustled around, sweeping, dusting and polishing, and caretaker Bill Gray was there to greet us, ready to help in whatever way he could. We immediately felt at home and, strange to say, an exhibition of local paintings, which at first glance gave the impression of being a potential hindrance, proved to be an asset in providing secluded bays for the accordion exhibitors who certainly went tot town in putting on mouth-watering displays of their wares.
And talking of secluded bays, our first glance into the theatre stopped us dead in our tracks. The Duke of Roxburgh and his Blackmount Forest had nothing on this lot. There was real grass turf where the stage had always been ; there were tree stumps, even a tree – a real tree! – and ankle deep dead leaves everywhere. Being quick on the uptake at that hour in the morning we eventually rumbled that this glade wasn’t a dream of a bad joke but a prop for a current drama production, but we also began to realise its potential as a most appropriate backdrop for Senior fiddle and Accordion (Pipe Music) sections.
It is difficult to explain why, but this particular Festival, albeit the 13th, felt right from the word go through to the last notes of ‘Kate Dalrymple’ at midnight. It had atmosphere and although laid back and relaxed it was nevertheless swinging and very much alive all the way. From our positions in the field, Sheila and I are normally very conscious of all the warts and hiccups, but this year they were virtually non-existent, just the occasional minor ripple – an air of contentment throughout. Any criticisms were constructive.
Helpers and stewards began arriving from 7.15 onwards and by 8 o’clock a sizeable squad was on site and our confidence and anticipation began to mount. About this time a large reassuring figure appeared through the swing doors and crossed to Reception with characteristic jaunty walk and beaming smile – big Bill Black from Stanley.
We felt safe, and this feeling of security was reinforced a little later when Association Chairman Jimmy Blue arrived. With these two eminent button-key men joining all the other enthusiastic volunteers we were fielding a strong team. Incidentally, the Festival Secretary remarked on several occasions during the day how encouraging it was to have so many of the younger generation on the ‘staff’ and prepared to work like beavers.
Well before 8.30 the tempo was building up, competitors and parents and friends were milling about looking for wee practice howffs. The first adjudicators were in, and it was decision time, screens or no screens. Hitherto they had almost always been used for all sections, with just the occasional exception in the case of the fiddle, but a school of thought had come to the fore in the last year which felt that they could be dispensed with if the adjudicators so wished, so our first shift of intrepid souls were given the choice and, with one exception, decided to go ‘open’. Surprisingly on the day, and up to the present, no adverse reactions have been forthcoming. The adjudicators themselves were agreeably surprised to find that the exposure didn’t present any problems.
At 9am almost on the dot, the first competitions were under way, the Senior Accordion (Pipe Music) in the Theatre and the 12 ans Under 16 Traditional Accordion in the Main Hall. I popped into the later for a few minutes just after the start. It was quite uncanny, 2 adjudicators, 1 secretary, no screens, 8 spectators, 1 announcer and 1 competitor but despite the size and emptiness, the sound and playing were great, and believe it or not, so was the atmosphere. One felt a tremendous affinity with the players and willed them to do well. The standard? – just how far can we go? It was heart-warming to see the announcer newsing away to the young competitors during that ‘wish the earth would open period’ before the bell. And the well deserved applause from only 8 pairs of hands was warm and sincere.
Then into the ‘Blackmount Forest’ to see how the pipe stuff was going. There were a few more in the Theatre but then it is only pint-sized against the big hall. A few blissful goose-pimples from ‘The Paps of Glencoe’ and it was back to the grindstone.
Needless to say the time just flew in and all the while that atmosphere was present. So many happy meetings with kindred spirits as acquaintances were renewed and new ones made ; just not enough hours in the day.
For much of the time, Reception resembled an orderly battlefield, with competitors and supporters clamouring for adjudication sheets, dumping accordions, buying tickets for this and that, registering and so on. Beats me how the folk behind the counter kept their cool, but no problem.
The Senior Traditional Accordion section finished around 3pm and the Trios were next. The Main Hall was now well filled and suddenly someone realised a piano was required. The ‘grand’ down on the floor was no use to the players on stage so a mad dash for the nearest upright. Three stewards grabbed one end and, with brilliant red faces and veins standing out like ‘tattie dreels’ they heaved and strained up the steps while the other end was nonchalantly supported by a cucumber cool Bill Black on his tod and almost with one hand! The audience rolled about. A moment to savour.
Another such occurred during the Winners’ Concert, when the youngest competitor of the day was presented with his special medal by Chairman Jimmy Blue. 9-year-old Andrew Gordon of Bonhill, resplendent in kilt and jacket, stood to attention unto the manner born as the ribbon was placed round his neck and then continued to stand rigidly to attention awaiting the next move. The audience were enjoying this. Eventually the young las marched from the stage with dignity taking the Chairman with him. The Concert was most ably compered by Andrew Nairn (now of Culross), an old hand at the game. This was evident from his completely unflustered approach when everything behind the stage was ‘fleein’ and he knew that he might not even have a following turn ready in the wings. However he steered it successfully through to the concluding stramash, which featured the winning Trio augmented by several of the fiddlers and accordionists who had already performed. Andrew was once again deputizing for Alex Little who is still on the mend after a fairly recent operation – we all wish him a good recovery.
The opening spot in the Concert was taken by the winning Band, two of whom had to dash off at 7pm to play at a dance. As always, the Band competition was one of the high spots of the day. What an atmosphere (sorry about that word again) – a packed hall, nine bands, and all good, each with their own special something. Another ‘magic moment’ occurred during this section when one group fielding an electric bass required a power point and a ‘Mountain to Mohammed’ impersonation – the entire band, including oiano, vamoosing right up one end of the stage to reach the ‘sparks’. Any further and they would have been out of earshot.
Throughout the afternoon’s proceedings and the Concert those absolute professionals, the B.B.C. Scotland ‘TTF’ team, under ‘Mr Cool’ himself, Producer Ken Mutch, ‘spirited’ about, recording for a couple of ‘Shepherd’s Fancy’ programmes. I know I’ve raved off about this before, but no one bar professionals could possibly achieve what they do – anything, if you see what I mean. No rushing here and there, they just drift, and the recording engineers with all their gear seem to come out of the ‘Dunecht Loon’s’ pocket. To see them all at work, interviewing quite unperturbed while being jostled by a milling crowd in the concourse outside the Main Hall was an eye opener. And in the wings during the Concert where the Senior Accordion finalists and other performers were a wee bit on edge and folk were dashing in and out, Joyce Reid remained sphinx-like, speaking and smiling quietly only as and when required. Her presence certainly had a calming influence on those around. Our thanks again to this tremendous team.
Following the Concert an incredibly slick chair clearing operation by the Chief Steward and his team, and the ‘let the hair down’ part of the day got under way – the dance. We already knew how good the Colin Dewar Band could be, but they certainly exceeded all expectations. The place was jumping right from the first note right through until the witching hour, and that six-piece led by Colin (from Kingskettle) on Morino never spared itself for a second. And considering that three of the band had just flown in that very morning from a double engagement in the Shetlands and that they had attended a photo session for a record sleeve in the afternoon, it was a remarkable performance. The many favourable comments said it all. On behalf of all present, thank you to Colin and his colleagues for a sparkling finish.
Unfortunately, or perhaps fortunately, space precludes me from waffling on at greater length – I’ve had to miss an awful lot out, but in closing may I express the sincere gratitude of the Festival Committee to the following, and also, of course, sincere apologies to any I miss out.
All competitors – without you no Festival – you’re the very essence. And what a standard in all classes.
Adjudicators – Freeland Barbour, Peter Bruce, John Carmichael, Charlie Cowie, Jack Delaney, Cyril Pasby, Kenny Wilson. Brave men, you did us proud, and as yet no dissenting voices.
Accompanists – Joan Blue, Morag MacAskill. Your hard work before and during the event and your sensitivity to the players greatly appreciated.
Helpers (all denominations)
Beith – Cathy Andrew
Dingwall – Nancy & John McKenzie
DunferMline – Andrew Nairn, Joe Greer.
Dundee – Ken Scott, Maureen and Neil Copland, Anne Rutherford, Joyce Reid.
Fintry – Frank Farquharson.
Galston – David Ross and Derek Hamilton.
Lesmahagow – Willie and Maisie Wilson, Charlie Todd and Annie Buchanan.
M.A.F.I.A. – Bill & Lydia Buchan
Newtongrange – Margaret & George Smith, Gibby Lang and Bill Humble.
Perth – Jimmy Blue, Bill Black, Sheena Russell.
Renfrew – Ian Murchieson, Angus McKinnon.
Torthorwald – Christine Hunter.
Unattached - Lynne and Fraser Williams, Karen Scott
B.B.C. - Jimmy Mack, Art Sutter, Robbie Shepherd
Radio Clyde – Gordon Hotchkin
Radio Forth – Robin Brock
Radio Highland – Andy Ross
Radio Tay – Billy Anderson
Radio West Sound – John Carmichael
From the feedback we’ve had, quite a few folk only learned of the date and venue by listening in. The air time devoted to our cause was most gratifying.
What can one say. You turned your hands to anything and everything. An incredible bunch.
Music teachers – for all your support with your pupils.
Exhibitors – D.S.M.Music (Inverness)
Rolston Accordions (Motherwell)
Bell Accordions (Darlington)
A great contribution to the scene and the atmosphere.
Caterers – Mr a. Lamb and staff. Excellent food, first class service. Many appreciative comments.
Brunton Halls staff – to each and every one – you could not have been more helpful.
Raffle prizes – to all Clubs who donated. Without you we would have been £212 less.
To Ronnie Brown (Wishaw) of the N.A.O. Committee – for help and advice.
To Mr Neil Lowry – for coming once again all the way from Ballynahinch, County Down. What a journey.
To Mr John McQueen – for Youngest Competitor medal.
And finally, personal thanks to my own Festival Committee for the power of work done throughout the season and on the day. Joan Blue, Tom Clark, Eddie MacDonald, Bob and Anne Scott, Sheila Williams, Willie Wilson (we all wish him a continued steady recovery and return to full health – it was great of him to come through to Musselburgh for a couple of hours).