14th Musselburgh Festival 1988
by Norrie Williams
B&F April 1988
MUSSELBURGH 1988
Under 12 Traditional Accordion Solo
1) Mhairi Coutts (Kirkcaldy)
2) Craig Skinner (Blackridge)
3) Ross Lothian (St Boswells)
12 and Under 16 Traditional Solo
1) Wayne Robertson (Marywell)
2) Fiona Gilfillan (Perth)
3) Bruce Peebles (Forfar)
Junior Accordion Solo Pipe Music
1) Wayne Robertson (Marywell)
2) Bruce Lindsay (Windygates)
3) Bruce Peebles (Forfar)
Senior Accordion Traditional Solo
1) James Coutts (Kirkcaldy)
2) Liam Howitt (Cambuslang)
3) Gordon Shand (Tillicoutry)
Senior Accordion Pipe Music Solo
1) James Coutts (Kirkcaldy)
2) Iain Carmichael (Giffnock)
3) Brian Morrison (Forfar)
Open Buttonkey
1) Willie McGuire (Dysart)
2) Bruce Lindsay (Windygates)
3) Neil Lowry (Ballynahinch)
Accordion – Overall Champion (The Bobby MacLeod Trophy)
James Coutts (Kirkcaldy)
Junior Traditional Duet
1) Kathryn & Billy Nicoll (Kirriemuir)
2) Iona Runciman (Galashiels) & Caroline Thompson (Kelso)
3) Elizabeth McLaren & Elizabeth Flanagan(Kirkcaldy)
Trio
1) Alasdair MacPhail (Luss)
2) Scott Leslie (Dunbar)
Band (Iain MacPhail Cup)
Alasdair MacPhail (Luss)
Band – Rhythm Section (Arthur Easson Memorial Trophy)
Neil MacEachern (Luss)
Own composition
1) George Burns (Kilsyth)
2) Michael Philip (Cardenden)
3) Alan Morrison (Forfar)
Under 12 Classical Solo
1) Craig Skinner (Blackridge)
2) Lindsay Torrie (Armadale)
3) Karl Sandeman (Killearn)
Under 14 Classical Solo
1) Elizabeth Flanagan (Galashiels)
2) Suzanne Colraine (Clydebank)
3) Leila Khenissi (Kelso)
Under 16 Classical Solo
1) Russell Torrie (Armadale)
2) Angeline McCloy (Newmains)
Open Classical Solo
1) Russell Torrie (Armadale)
2) Angeline McCloy (Newmains)
3) Iain Carmichael (Giffnock)
Under 16 Classical Duet
1) Lindsay & Russell Torrie (Armadale)
2) Craig & Suzanne Colraine (Clydebank)
3) Judith Baird & Jennifer Meek (Crawford)
Open Classical Duet
1) Stuart Law & Angeline McCloy (Newmains)
Youngest Competitor (Accordion)
Gordon Middler (Aberdeen) 21.01.79)
Junior Fiddle Solo - MSR
1) Kathryn Nicoll (Kirriemuir)
2) Eilidh Shaw (Taynault)
3) Allison Dewar (Kingskettle)
Junior Fiddle Solo – Slow Air
1) Kathryn Nicoll (Kirriemuir)
2) Elizabeth McLaren (Kirkcaldy)
3) Patricia Jessiman (Aberdeen)
Senior Fiddle Solo – Slow Strathspey, MSR
1) Rebecca Hunter (Banchory)
2) Neil Dawson (Huntly)
3) Marie Feilding (Lasswade)
Senior Fiddle Solo – Slow Air
1) Rebecca Hunter (Banchory)
2) Neil Dawson (Huntly)
3) Judith Linton (Duns)
Fiddle Group
Marie Fielding (Lasswade)
Fiddle – Overall Champion (The Angus Fitchet Trophy)
Rebecca Hunter (Banchory)
Musselburgh ’88 – Glendarroch Success – Is it the Hoodies?
by Norrie Williams
Luss on Loch Lomondside has more than one string to its bow. Initially best known for its picture postcard image, it then fairly shot into prominence as S.T.V.’s ‘Glendarroch’, and the area has now produced several sons who are heading for the front rank of Scottish traditional accordionists with a particular leaning towards the ‘West Coast’ style.
Why so? Personally I think the hooded crow is responsible. Just consider for a moment, the transition from the common carrion to the hoodie takes place part way up the loch just around Luss and west of a line from this point to Inverness the hoodie holds total sway, and it is, of course, this territory which nurtures the majority of West coast players. And, I suppose, it helps that this member of the crow family can ‘kraa kraa’ in G natural with grace notes! Any better.
Anyhow, whatever the reason, two box players from Glendarroch certainly took ‘the High Road’ at Musselburgh on Saturday, 5th March, lifting 1st and 2nd places, plus the Rhythm Section award in the Band Class and the Jimmy Blue Trophy for the best Trio, all with truly first class performances.
I realise I ought to be completely unbiased but I have a very soft spot for the group classes and whatever else has to be missed, I make great efforts to be around for these, albeit for very short spells. For 3 hours, starting at 2.30pm, the Main Hall of the Brunton produced an absolute feast of music from eleven Trios, four Fiddle Groups and eight Bands. The ingenuity and standard achieved by all was of the highest order and I literally had a lump in my throat when listening to one or two of the Trios. For me a well balanced fiddle, accordion and piano threesome is the ultimate in purity of sound with the ability to instantly attain levels of light and shade and expression which are less accessible to larger groups.
The recording of the winning Alasdair MacPhail Trio on ‘Shepherd’s Fancy’ said it all.
At Musselburgh everyone and everything tends to come together for the group classes, as witness the audience which remained around the 500 mark for the whole afternooin despite the heat in the hall. Any folk that did go out for a breather were instantly replaced by fresh reinforcements.
The Open fiddle Group Section introduced this year showed great promise for the future and although there were only four entries no less than 27 players were involved, the all round standard was high, and the pure string sound most refreshing. The contrasting styles were intriguing and in one ensemble the ages of the players ranged form the lower teens to senior citizen level.
Whilst on the subject of groups we have in the past had representations from members of Trio and Bands regarding the standard of piano supplied. Because of the limited load bearing capacity of the stage these have always been uprights, but with advancing years they have graduated to ‘honky-tonk’ status.
So on this occasion we had the use of the Brunton Hall’s ‘piece de resistance’, a Steinway concert grand, which was tuned up on the eve of the Festival. A magnificent machine, it even had an ornate ‘gold’ key for the lid, probably worth as much as one of the old uprights. It really did enhance the sound of the groups and was obviously enjoyed by the individual pianists.
The only problem was that as it had to sit on the floor, a number of the Trio and Band personnel opted to go likewise (on chairs, of course)instead of on the dual level stage provided, with the result that for many of the audience it was a case of heard but not seen. However, as yet, no complaints.
The second of the new classes, i.e. for British Chromatic button key accordions, also had a disappointingly small entry of only three players, but my goodness the quality was there. Perhaps it was the unknown that kept the numbers down, because there were several button key players in the sizeable audience in the theatre, but minus instruments. Possibly they were weighing up the opposition, the standard and the choice of tunes etc. Hopefully the two new classes, which clearly have audience appeal, will grow steadily – my gut feeling is they are poised ready to go.
The standard in all the established solo classes was well up to expectation, in fact one can confidently say that musically this year’s event must rate very highly. The classical adjudicator, Mr Cyril Pasby, was unstinting in his praise of the standard of playing north of the border, but he also sounded a timely warning regarding copyright. We will all have to take this more seriously in the future and suitable notes for guidance with next year’s Festival blurb.
On the traditional scene, both fiddle and accordion judges reported a high standard throughout, and the four intrepid finalists in the Senior Traditional Accordion class certainly justified their selection for play-off. It was almost a pity that one has to win. Our warmest thanks to these lads who went through their double ordeal for our enjoyment – all came through with flying colours. What an advertisement for the current standard of our young players.
And thanks, too, to all the adjudicators for their efforts – I saw quite a number of the adjudicators sheets from the pens of the various ‘authors’ and was pleased with the constructive notes thereon. Gone are the days of the bald ‘Good march, good change, good strathspey’ etc, etc. The comments are now much fuller, courteous and helpful. Well done the panel, one and all.
With regard to the solo fiddle classes. The feedback on the two accompanists, Mrs Joan Blue and Miss Morag McAskill, has been most complimentary. Both have certainly got what it takes.
The ordeal of the finalists was mentioned earlier. This becomes more intense at the concert when the chips are down and the B.B.C. microphones are pointing menacingly at the grilles from which those crucial notes (or slips) will come. Mind you the venerable ‘TTF’ team, under Producer Ken Mutch, did everything in their power, as always, to minimize the strain on the players. I can only repeat what I have said on previous occasions – one just cannot adequately praise the unobtrusive but effective way in which all members of the team go about their respective tasks. Robbie Shepherd’s roving interviews during the afternoon, as he would say himself ‘nae bother’ – looks so easy and never in anyone’s way. And the setting-up by the technicians for the recordings at the concert, all done in the half hour following the Band competition, is a model of organisation and courtesy. Likewise their operations during the concert itself, in positioning the ‘mikes’ for each individual player without terrifying the daylights out of them, and not a second wasted. No hassle for performers of M.C. And Fiona in the wings quietly making meaningful jottings out of utter chaos. One word sums it up – Professionals.
And they come up with the goods. At the time of writing only the first of the two programmes on the Festival has been aired on ‘Shepherd’s Fancy’ but we were more than happy with it – good informed comment and well chosen excerpts from the concert.
While on this tack, the N.A.A.F.C. is greatly indebted to the undernoted Radio stations for their excellent pre-Festival coverage, they really did allocate a sizeable chunk of air-time to our cause. In alphabetical order ; B.B.C. Radio Scotland (Robbie Shepherd), Radio Forth (Robin Brock), Radio Moray (Andy Ross), Radio Tay (Billy Anderson), Radio West Sound (John Carmichael). Warmest thanks to all.
And now to all those other folk without whose presence and help the event would just not have taken place. Competitors aside for the moment, we had stewards, runners, door minders, announcers, adjudicators, secretaries, reception and registration clerks, the majority of these being from member Clubs of the Association. Their unselfish and uncomplaining dedication was just as we have come to expect of them. Often long stints without relief, but not a single moan – a great team altogether and they deserve individual mention :
Aberdeen – Mr Bert Jessiman
Airdrie – Mr Ian Forrest
Beith – Miss Cathy Andrew, Mr Willie Wilson
Blairgowrie – Miss Joyce Reid
Dingwall – Mrs Nancy & Mr John McKenzie senior citizens who travel south every year on the Friday and sleep overnight in a caravan.
Dundee – Mr Tom Clark, Neil and Maureen Copland, Mr Ken Scott
Dunfermline – Mr Joe Greer
East Kilbride – Mr Hugh Gebbie, Mr Iain Henderson, Mrs Lynne & Mr Fraser Williams
Edinburgh – Miss Anne Rutherford
Fintry – Mr Frank Farquharson
Galston – Mr David Ross
Glasgow – Mrs Annie Dixon, Miss Hope Logue
Kingskettle – Mr Jim Dewar
Lesmahagow – Mr Charlie Todd, Mr & Mrs Willie Wilson
Lochgelly – Miss Karen and Mr Bob Scott
M.A.F.I.A. – Miss Morag McAskill
Newtongrange – Mr David Corner, Mr Bill Humble, Mr Gilbert Lang, Mrs Margaret and Mr George Smith
Perth – Mr Jim Balneaves. Mr Bill Black, Miss Joan Blue, Mrs Leila Powrie
Renfrew – Mr Ian Murchison, Mr Angus
Slough – Mr Cyril Pasby
Forthorwald – Misses Cathie and Christine Hunter.
And then there were those who looked after our creature comforts and satisfied the inner man – the caretakers and the other members of the Brunton Halls staff, the caretaker of the nearly church hall (immaculate and warm), the caterers from Edinburgh, Mr Lamb and his staff (excellent food and drink available from mid morning until late evening).
A number of interesting trade stands – two from the deep south – added just the right touch in the entrance foyer ; W.E.M (London), Mr Ronaldo Capaldi (Cheltenham), Ralston Accordions (Motherwell), Music Corner (Falkirk) and D.S.M. (Inverness).
And now back to the Festival programme. One hour after the finish of the competition the Winners’ Concert got cracking, to a full house, under the expert guidance of compere and NAAFC Secretary Andrew Nairn of Culross, who stood in at short notice, as on one or two previous occasions. Alex Little M.C. of Dumfries, who traditionally performs the task, was unable to oblige as his wife Agnes had just been admitted to an Edinburgh hospital. We wish her a full recovery and hope that both of them will return in good health in the near future.
Andrew Nairn is, of course, a very experienced compere with a couthie humour. He needed to be to make everything out front look orderly and rehearsed. You should have seen what he was landed with in the wings! But he sorted it all out to the manor born. Another member of the Association Committee who had a hectic day was Chairman Jimmy Blue – he had almost literally to go to pieces to carry out his multifarious duties, some being in different places at the same time – announcer, adjudicator, you name it. He was dropped in at the deep end on several occasions to make wee impromptu speeches, presentations and so on. And, of course, he is our champion raffle ticket salesman. But nothing was too much trouble and he enjoyed it.
And talking of the raffle, thanks to the following Clubs for their donations of prizes : Beith, East Kilbride, Fintry, MAFIA, Newtongrange and Perth. The star prize, a meal for two with all the trimmings, was given by Perth Station Hotel.
As soon as the concert had finished there was the earsplitting racket of tubular chairs clattering together as an army of helpers cleared the hall in record time and through all this melee big Bill black, who had worked like a Trojan all day, led his troops on to the stage and started playing, despite the turmoil around. And that band played its heart out, virtually non-stop until midnight with a repertoire of great tunes, many quite fresh to my ears. It now fields two fiddlers in the front line, both of whom, if he will forgive me, are slightly prettier than Bill (just a wee bit, mind you). They are, of course, Judith Davidson and Angie Smith, and their co-ordinated bowing was a pleasure to watch, and they added depth to the sound of the Band, especially as they came up onto the final notes of each measure. How that band swung, a great finish to the day.
And finally, right to the heart of the matter, the competitors. They cannot know the pleasure that the Festival Secretary gets when their entry forms, albeit a bit late at times, begin to trickle through the letter box. As other Festival organisers will know only too well, one is gripped with a chilling anxiety, almost fear, as the closing date approaches and there are only 5 or 6 entries! And then comes the sheer relief and joy when the forms finally flood in with all the ‘weel kent’ names and some new ones. You’ve won a watch, you’re back among friends, you feel at one with them. You can sense their feeling of anticipation, tinged with trepidation and excitement, and you know the efforts they will make to do well on the day. Their support is heartwarming. A very big thank you to all who competed and to their families and teachers for their encouragement and support. May I be permitted to single out one player, Neil Lowry, who comes to Musselburgh and Perth, year after year without fail, from Ballynahinch in Northern Ireland. We salute his dedication. Competitors like this don’t grow on trees.
To all competitors – you are the cream on the coffee. See you next year.
Footnote – My own personal thanks go to all the hard-working members of the Festival Committee for their support during the year, as before – Joan Blue, Tom Clark, Eddie MacDonald, Bob and Anne Scott, Willie Wilson and the Secretary, my wife Sheila.
Under 12 Traditional Accordion Solo
1) Mhairi Coutts (Kirkcaldy)
2) Craig Skinner (Blackridge)
3) Ross Lothian (St Boswells)
12 and Under 16 Traditional Solo
1) Wayne Robertson (Marywell)
2) Fiona Gilfillan (Perth)
3) Bruce Peebles (Forfar)
Junior Accordion Solo Pipe Music
1) Wayne Robertson (Marywell)
2) Bruce Lindsay (Windygates)
3) Bruce Peebles (Forfar)
Senior Accordion Traditional Solo
1) James Coutts (Kirkcaldy)
2) Liam Howitt (Cambuslang)
3) Gordon Shand (Tillicoutry)
Senior Accordion Pipe Music Solo
1) James Coutts (Kirkcaldy)
2) Iain Carmichael (Giffnock)
3) Brian Morrison (Forfar)
Open Buttonkey
1) Willie McGuire (Dysart)
2) Bruce Lindsay (Windygates)
3) Neil Lowry (Ballynahinch)
Accordion – Overall Champion (The Bobby MacLeod Trophy)
James Coutts (Kirkcaldy)
Junior Traditional Duet
1) Kathryn & Billy Nicoll (Kirriemuir)
2) Iona Runciman (Galashiels) & Caroline Thompson (Kelso)
3) Elizabeth McLaren & Elizabeth Flanagan(Kirkcaldy)
Trio
1) Alasdair MacPhail (Luss)
2) Scott Leslie (Dunbar)
Band (Iain MacPhail Cup)
Alasdair MacPhail (Luss)
Band – Rhythm Section (Arthur Easson Memorial Trophy)
Neil MacEachern (Luss)
Own composition
1) George Burns (Kilsyth)
2) Michael Philip (Cardenden)
3) Alan Morrison (Forfar)
Under 12 Classical Solo
1) Craig Skinner (Blackridge)
2) Lindsay Torrie (Armadale)
3) Karl Sandeman (Killearn)
Under 14 Classical Solo
1) Elizabeth Flanagan (Galashiels)
2) Suzanne Colraine (Clydebank)
3) Leila Khenissi (Kelso)
Under 16 Classical Solo
1) Russell Torrie (Armadale)
2) Angeline McCloy (Newmains)
Open Classical Solo
1) Russell Torrie (Armadale)
2) Angeline McCloy (Newmains)
3) Iain Carmichael (Giffnock)
Under 16 Classical Duet
1) Lindsay & Russell Torrie (Armadale)
2) Craig & Suzanne Colraine (Clydebank)
3) Judith Baird & Jennifer Meek (Crawford)
Open Classical Duet
1) Stuart Law & Angeline McCloy (Newmains)
Youngest Competitor (Accordion)
Gordon Middler (Aberdeen) 21.01.79)
Junior Fiddle Solo - MSR
1) Kathryn Nicoll (Kirriemuir)
2) Eilidh Shaw (Taynault)
3) Allison Dewar (Kingskettle)
Junior Fiddle Solo – Slow Air
1) Kathryn Nicoll (Kirriemuir)
2) Elizabeth McLaren (Kirkcaldy)
3) Patricia Jessiman (Aberdeen)
Senior Fiddle Solo – Slow Strathspey, MSR
1) Rebecca Hunter (Banchory)
2) Neil Dawson (Huntly)
3) Marie Feilding (Lasswade)
Senior Fiddle Solo – Slow Air
1) Rebecca Hunter (Banchory)
2) Neil Dawson (Huntly)
3) Judith Linton (Duns)
Fiddle Group
Marie Fielding (Lasswade)
Fiddle – Overall Champion (The Angus Fitchet Trophy)
Rebecca Hunter (Banchory)
Musselburgh ’88 – Glendarroch Success – Is it the Hoodies?
by Norrie Williams
Luss on Loch Lomondside has more than one string to its bow. Initially best known for its picture postcard image, it then fairly shot into prominence as S.T.V.’s ‘Glendarroch’, and the area has now produced several sons who are heading for the front rank of Scottish traditional accordionists with a particular leaning towards the ‘West Coast’ style.
Why so? Personally I think the hooded crow is responsible. Just consider for a moment, the transition from the common carrion to the hoodie takes place part way up the loch just around Luss and west of a line from this point to Inverness the hoodie holds total sway, and it is, of course, this territory which nurtures the majority of West coast players. And, I suppose, it helps that this member of the crow family can ‘kraa kraa’ in G natural with grace notes! Any better.
Anyhow, whatever the reason, two box players from Glendarroch certainly took ‘the High Road’ at Musselburgh on Saturday, 5th March, lifting 1st and 2nd places, plus the Rhythm Section award in the Band Class and the Jimmy Blue Trophy for the best Trio, all with truly first class performances.
I realise I ought to be completely unbiased but I have a very soft spot for the group classes and whatever else has to be missed, I make great efforts to be around for these, albeit for very short spells. For 3 hours, starting at 2.30pm, the Main Hall of the Brunton produced an absolute feast of music from eleven Trios, four Fiddle Groups and eight Bands. The ingenuity and standard achieved by all was of the highest order and I literally had a lump in my throat when listening to one or two of the Trios. For me a well balanced fiddle, accordion and piano threesome is the ultimate in purity of sound with the ability to instantly attain levels of light and shade and expression which are less accessible to larger groups.
The recording of the winning Alasdair MacPhail Trio on ‘Shepherd’s Fancy’ said it all.
At Musselburgh everyone and everything tends to come together for the group classes, as witness the audience which remained around the 500 mark for the whole afternooin despite the heat in the hall. Any folk that did go out for a breather were instantly replaced by fresh reinforcements.
The Open fiddle Group Section introduced this year showed great promise for the future and although there were only four entries no less than 27 players were involved, the all round standard was high, and the pure string sound most refreshing. The contrasting styles were intriguing and in one ensemble the ages of the players ranged form the lower teens to senior citizen level.
Whilst on the subject of groups we have in the past had representations from members of Trio and Bands regarding the standard of piano supplied. Because of the limited load bearing capacity of the stage these have always been uprights, but with advancing years they have graduated to ‘honky-tonk’ status.
So on this occasion we had the use of the Brunton Hall’s ‘piece de resistance’, a Steinway concert grand, which was tuned up on the eve of the Festival. A magnificent machine, it even had an ornate ‘gold’ key for the lid, probably worth as much as one of the old uprights. It really did enhance the sound of the groups and was obviously enjoyed by the individual pianists.
The only problem was that as it had to sit on the floor, a number of the Trio and Band personnel opted to go likewise (on chairs, of course)instead of on the dual level stage provided, with the result that for many of the audience it was a case of heard but not seen. However, as yet, no complaints.
The second of the new classes, i.e. for British Chromatic button key accordions, also had a disappointingly small entry of only three players, but my goodness the quality was there. Perhaps it was the unknown that kept the numbers down, because there were several button key players in the sizeable audience in the theatre, but minus instruments. Possibly they were weighing up the opposition, the standard and the choice of tunes etc. Hopefully the two new classes, which clearly have audience appeal, will grow steadily – my gut feeling is they are poised ready to go.
The standard in all the established solo classes was well up to expectation, in fact one can confidently say that musically this year’s event must rate very highly. The classical adjudicator, Mr Cyril Pasby, was unstinting in his praise of the standard of playing north of the border, but he also sounded a timely warning regarding copyright. We will all have to take this more seriously in the future and suitable notes for guidance with next year’s Festival blurb.
On the traditional scene, both fiddle and accordion judges reported a high standard throughout, and the four intrepid finalists in the Senior Traditional Accordion class certainly justified their selection for play-off. It was almost a pity that one has to win. Our warmest thanks to these lads who went through their double ordeal for our enjoyment – all came through with flying colours. What an advertisement for the current standard of our young players.
And thanks, too, to all the adjudicators for their efforts – I saw quite a number of the adjudicators sheets from the pens of the various ‘authors’ and was pleased with the constructive notes thereon. Gone are the days of the bald ‘Good march, good change, good strathspey’ etc, etc. The comments are now much fuller, courteous and helpful. Well done the panel, one and all.
With regard to the solo fiddle classes. The feedback on the two accompanists, Mrs Joan Blue and Miss Morag McAskill, has been most complimentary. Both have certainly got what it takes.
The ordeal of the finalists was mentioned earlier. This becomes more intense at the concert when the chips are down and the B.B.C. microphones are pointing menacingly at the grilles from which those crucial notes (or slips) will come. Mind you the venerable ‘TTF’ team, under Producer Ken Mutch, did everything in their power, as always, to minimize the strain on the players. I can only repeat what I have said on previous occasions – one just cannot adequately praise the unobtrusive but effective way in which all members of the team go about their respective tasks. Robbie Shepherd’s roving interviews during the afternoon, as he would say himself ‘nae bother’ – looks so easy and never in anyone’s way. And the setting-up by the technicians for the recordings at the concert, all done in the half hour following the Band competition, is a model of organisation and courtesy. Likewise their operations during the concert itself, in positioning the ‘mikes’ for each individual player without terrifying the daylights out of them, and not a second wasted. No hassle for performers of M.C. And Fiona in the wings quietly making meaningful jottings out of utter chaos. One word sums it up – Professionals.
And they come up with the goods. At the time of writing only the first of the two programmes on the Festival has been aired on ‘Shepherd’s Fancy’ but we were more than happy with it – good informed comment and well chosen excerpts from the concert.
While on this tack, the N.A.A.F.C. is greatly indebted to the undernoted Radio stations for their excellent pre-Festival coverage, they really did allocate a sizeable chunk of air-time to our cause. In alphabetical order ; B.B.C. Radio Scotland (Robbie Shepherd), Radio Forth (Robin Brock), Radio Moray (Andy Ross), Radio Tay (Billy Anderson), Radio West Sound (John Carmichael). Warmest thanks to all.
And now to all those other folk without whose presence and help the event would just not have taken place. Competitors aside for the moment, we had stewards, runners, door minders, announcers, adjudicators, secretaries, reception and registration clerks, the majority of these being from member Clubs of the Association. Their unselfish and uncomplaining dedication was just as we have come to expect of them. Often long stints without relief, but not a single moan – a great team altogether and they deserve individual mention :
Aberdeen – Mr Bert Jessiman
Airdrie – Mr Ian Forrest
Beith – Miss Cathy Andrew, Mr Willie Wilson
Blairgowrie – Miss Joyce Reid
Dingwall – Mrs Nancy & Mr John McKenzie senior citizens who travel south every year on the Friday and sleep overnight in a caravan.
Dundee – Mr Tom Clark, Neil and Maureen Copland, Mr Ken Scott
Dunfermline – Mr Joe Greer
East Kilbride – Mr Hugh Gebbie, Mr Iain Henderson, Mrs Lynne & Mr Fraser Williams
Edinburgh – Miss Anne Rutherford
Fintry – Mr Frank Farquharson
Galston – Mr David Ross
Glasgow – Mrs Annie Dixon, Miss Hope Logue
Kingskettle – Mr Jim Dewar
Lesmahagow – Mr Charlie Todd, Mr & Mrs Willie Wilson
Lochgelly – Miss Karen and Mr Bob Scott
M.A.F.I.A. – Miss Morag McAskill
Newtongrange – Mr David Corner, Mr Bill Humble, Mr Gilbert Lang, Mrs Margaret and Mr George Smith
Perth – Mr Jim Balneaves. Mr Bill Black, Miss Joan Blue, Mrs Leila Powrie
Renfrew – Mr Ian Murchison, Mr Angus
Slough – Mr Cyril Pasby
Forthorwald – Misses Cathie and Christine Hunter.
And then there were those who looked after our creature comforts and satisfied the inner man – the caretakers and the other members of the Brunton Halls staff, the caretaker of the nearly church hall (immaculate and warm), the caterers from Edinburgh, Mr Lamb and his staff (excellent food and drink available from mid morning until late evening).
A number of interesting trade stands – two from the deep south – added just the right touch in the entrance foyer ; W.E.M (London), Mr Ronaldo Capaldi (Cheltenham), Ralston Accordions (Motherwell), Music Corner (Falkirk) and D.S.M. (Inverness).
And now back to the Festival programme. One hour after the finish of the competition the Winners’ Concert got cracking, to a full house, under the expert guidance of compere and NAAFC Secretary Andrew Nairn of Culross, who stood in at short notice, as on one or two previous occasions. Alex Little M.C. of Dumfries, who traditionally performs the task, was unable to oblige as his wife Agnes had just been admitted to an Edinburgh hospital. We wish her a full recovery and hope that both of them will return in good health in the near future.
Andrew Nairn is, of course, a very experienced compere with a couthie humour. He needed to be to make everything out front look orderly and rehearsed. You should have seen what he was landed with in the wings! But he sorted it all out to the manor born. Another member of the Association Committee who had a hectic day was Chairman Jimmy Blue – he had almost literally to go to pieces to carry out his multifarious duties, some being in different places at the same time – announcer, adjudicator, you name it. He was dropped in at the deep end on several occasions to make wee impromptu speeches, presentations and so on. And, of course, he is our champion raffle ticket salesman. But nothing was too much trouble and he enjoyed it.
And talking of the raffle, thanks to the following Clubs for their donations of prizes : Beith, East Kilbride, Fintry, MAFIA, Newtongrange and Perth. The star prize, a meal for two with all the trimmings, was given by Perth Station Hotel.
As soon as the concert had finished there was the earsplitting racket of tubular chairs clattering together as an army of helpers cleared the hall in record time and through all this melee big Bill black, who had worked like a Trojan all day, led his troops on to the stage and started playing, despite the turmoil around. And that band played its heart out, virtually non-stop until midnight with a repertoire of great tunes, many quite fresh to my ears. It now fields two fiddlers in the front line, both of whom, if he will forgive me, are slightly prettier than Bill (just a wee bit, mind you). They are, of course, Judith Davidson and Angie Smith, and their co-ordinated bowing was a pleasure to watch, and they added depth to the sound of the Band, especially as they came up onto the final notes of each measure. How that band swung, a great finish to the day.
And finally, right to the heart of the matter, the competitors. They cannot know the pleasure that the Festival Secretary gets when their entry forms, albeit a bit late at times, begin to trickle through the letter box. As other Festival organisers will know only too well, one is gripped with a chilling anxiety, almost fear, as the closing date approaches and there are only 5 or 6 entries! And then comes the sheer relief and joy when the forms finally flood in with all the ‘weel kent’ names and some new ones. You’ve won a watch, you’re back among friends, you feel at one with them. You can sense their feeling of anticipation, tinged with trepidation and excitement, and you know the efforts they will make to do well on the day. Their support is heartwarming. A very big thank you to all who competed and to their families and teachers for their encouragement and support. May I be permitted to single out one player, Neil Lowry, who comes to Musselburgh and Perth, year after year without fail, from Ballynahinch in Northern Ireland. We salute his dedication. Competitors like this don’t grow on trees.
To all competitors – you are the cream on the coffee. See you next year.
Footnote – My own personal thanks go to all the hard-working members of the Festival Committee for their support during the year, as before – Joan Blue, Tom Clark, Eddie MacDonald, Bob and Anne Scott, Willie Wilson and the Secretary, my wife Sheila.