22nd Musselburgh Festival 1996
by Neil Copland
B&F April 1996
Junior Accordion
Under 12 Traditional Accordion Solo – Pentland Cup
1) Liam Stewart (Galston)
2) Brian MacDonald (Ayr)
3) Ritchie Craig (Haddington)
12 and Under 16 Traditional Solo – Jim Johnstone Cup
1) Gordon Fraser (Munlochy)
2) Jill Blackburn (Galashiels)
3) Fraser Burke (Dundee)
Junior Accordion Solo Pipe Music – Bill Black Cup
1) Gordon Fraser (Munlochy)
2) Stewart Walker (Inverness)
3) Fraser Burke (Dundee)
Junior Traditional Duet
1)
2)
3)
Senior Accordion
Senior Traditional Accordion Solo – Clinkscale Cup
1) Ian Skinner (Blackburn, West Lothian)
2) John Burns (Cumbernauld)
3) Wendy Godfrey (Perth)
Senior Accordion Pipe Music Solo – Bill Powrie Memorial Cup
1) Andrew Gordon (Bonhill)
2) Gordon Middler (Aberdeen)
3) Mhairi Coutts (Kirkcaldy)
Senior Overall Accordion Champion - The Bobby MacLeod Trophy
Andrew Gordon (Bonhill)
Open Buttonkey Accordion Solo – Windygates Trophy
1) Alexander Lindsay (Amulree)
2) Duncan McKinnon (Glasgow)
3) John Weaks (Glasgow)
Trios – Jimmy Blue Trophy
1) The Balgray Trio (Dundee)
2) Wendy Godfrey (Perth)
Bands – Overall Winner - Iain MacPhail Cup
Camperdown Ceilidh Band (Dundee)
Band – Rhythm Section - Arthur Easson Memorial Trophy
Camperdown Ceilidh Band, Dundee
Own Composition – Willie Wilson Cup
1) Alex Morrison (Forres)
2) Maureen Rutherford (Dundee)
3) John Burns (Cumbernauld)
Under 12 Classical Solo – Kelso Cup
1) Elizabeth Stirrat (Paisley)
2) Gordon McRae (Didcot)
3) Brian MacDonald (Ayr)
Under 14 Classical Solo – Aberdeen Cup
1) Julie Hamilton (Carstairs)
2) Gordon Shaw (Airdrie)
3)
Under 16 Classical Solo – Dundee shield
1) Jill Blackburn (Galashiels)
2) Jill Craig (Haddington)
3) David Nisbet (Earlston)
Open Classical Solo – Clinkscale Shield
1) Glenda Taylor (Beith)
2) Brian Aitchison (Galashiels)
3) Esma Mitchell (Edinburgh)
Under 13 Classical Duet – Beith & District A&F Club Cups (Willie Wilson Memorial Trophies)
1) Craig MacDonald (Ayr) & Brian MacDonald (Ayr)
2)
Under 16 Classical Duet - Alex MacArthur Cups
1) David Nisbet (Earlston) & Jill Blackburn (Galashiels)
2) Gordon Shaw (Airdrie) & William Paterson (Coatbridge)
3) Alistair Dunnet (Tranent) & Julie Hamilton (Carstairs)
Open Classical Duet – Dunfermline Cup
1) Sarah Armstrong (Northumberland) & Katie Donald (Lauder)
2) Brian Aitchison (Galashiels) & Paul Chamberlain (Lauder)
3)
Classical Polka
Under 10 Classical Polka Solo – The Todhills Trophy
1) Brian MacDonald (Ayr)
2) Elizabeth Stirrat (Paisley)
Under 14 Classical Polka Solo – Newtongrange Shield
1) Gordon Shaw (Airdrie)
2) Fraser Burke (Dundee)
3) Alistair Dunnet (Tranent)
Open Classical Polka Solo – Tign-Na-Gorm Cup
1) David Nisbet (Earlston)
2) Jill Blackburn (Galalshiels)
3) Brian Aitchison (Galashiels)
Fiddle Sections
Junior Fiddle Solo – MSR – Association Cup
1) Patsy Reid (Knapp)
2) Jane McLeod (Dundee)
3) Stephenie Brough (Dundee)
Junior Fiddle Solo – Slow Air – Dougie Welsh Cup
1) Stephenie Brough (Dundee)
2) Patsy Reid (Knapp)
3) Jane McLeod (Dundee)
Senior Fiddle Solo – Slow Strathspey, MSR – St. Boswell Cup
1) Susan McIntosh (Aberdeen)
2) Laura McGhee (Monifeith)
3) Sarah Fraser (Crieff)
Senior Fiddle Solo – Slow Air – Ron Gonella Cup
1) Laura McGhee (Monifeith)
2) Susan McIntosh (Aberdeen)
3=) Sarah Fraser (Crieff)
3=) Dick Rutter (Edinburgh)
Open Fiddle Championship – Banchory S&R Society Trophy
1) Laura McGhee (Monifeith)
2=) Susan McIntosh (Aberdeen)
2=) Stephenie Brough (Dundee)
Senior Fiddle Overall Champion - The Angus Fitchet Trophy
Susan McIntosh (Aberdeen)
Open Fiddle Groups – Lesmahagow Quaich
Tayside Youth Strathspey and Reel Group
Youngest Girl Competitor – John McQueen Medal
Elizabeth Stirrat (Paisley)
Youngest Boy Competitor – John McQueen Medal
Brian MacDonald (Ayr)
Musselburgh Festival 1996
by Neil Copland
Saturday, 2nd March, 1996, was the date for the 22nd Annual Accordion and Fiddle Championships organized by the N.A.A.F.C. in the Brunton Halls, Musselburgh.
Advance notification from East Lothian District Council that, due to refurbishment works, both the Theatre and the Concourse Area would not be available caused a major rethink of the scheduling of competitions and halls. However, despite some early concerns, it was still possible to accommodate all competitions within the Brunton Halls complex. On arrival at the Halls on Saturday morning, it emerged that the so-called works had not yet commenced and that the ‘lost’ accommodation would have been available after all. All that was missing however, were the trade stands in the main foyer – in all other respects, Musselburgh Festival 1996 was just as in previous years. The problem of 1995 (no heating) certainly was not evident this year with the main complaint being that the complex was too hot! A minor hiccup over the Box Office opening times caused some concern early on but this was resolved by mid morning and ticket sales were then available.
Entries were slightly up from 1995 and competitors came from as far afield as the Isle of Lewis, Wick, Northern Ireland and Oxfordshire – surely proving the Musselburgh Festival is a national event in the musical calendar. However, a major disappointment was the continued lack of Band entries – so come on all you budding bandleaders, give us your support next time – it is, after all, for fun! This lack of competitors did not detract from a very entertaining competition and it appeared that the result, when announced, was welcomed by the majority of those spectators present.
The number of people attending the event during the day was slightly down on previous years and this was most evident in the Main Hall where there were still some empty seats during the afternoon competitions - a situation which would have been unthinkable some years ago. There was also a marked drop in the number of people attending both the Evening Concert and Grand Dance and the Festival Committee will be discussing the possible reasons for this at its next meeting. The standard of playing throughout the day, however, certainly could not be described as down, and all of the adjudicators commented on the tremendously high standard of playing from all competitors.
The introduction of the new Open Fiddle Competition Solo Class proved to be a major success and the evening play-off by three finalists was, for me (an accordionist), the highlight of the concert. Also featured in the concert this year was the play-off for the Senior Accordion (Traditional) Championship and Jim Johnstone certainly had a most unenviable task to deal with during an exceptionally high standard final.
Ken Mutch and the B.B.C. Team were once again present to record the evening concert and interview some of the day’s ‘celebrities’ and their presence and continued support of the Festival was gratefully welcomed by the Committee. Ken also invited the new Open Fiddle champion – Laura McGhee from Monifeith – to take part in a Take the Floor outside broadcast from Stirling with Duncan Black’s Band and Anne Lorne Gillies – surely a great opportunity for a very talented young musician.
Following the highly entertaining concert, compered this year for the first time by Jennifer Forrest and which was rounded off with Ian Thomson’s SDB, Ian and his band of merry men (and woman!) took centre stage for the ‘Grand Dance’ – and that is exactly what it was. A great sound and with the floor full for every dance, it looked as though the Committee had yet again ‘got it right’ in their choice of band. This year the dance lasted until 12.45 a.m. at the suggestion of members of the public in 1995 and any comments on this venture would be most welcome.
In concluding, I would like to thank all of the Festival Committee, the many helpers, adjudicators, teachers, parents, Festival supporters and most importantly, the competitors for their support in thus again proving that Musselburgh Festival is the ‘friendly Festival’. Without them there would be no Festival. It was nice to arrive home shattered but satisfied that yet again, a successful and enjoyable day had been had by all who attended.
Under 12 Traditional Accordion Solo – Pentland Cup
1) Liam Stewart (Galston)
2) Brian MacDonald (Ayr)
3) Ritchie Craig (Haddington)
12 and Under 16 Traditional Solo – Jim Johnstone Cup
1) Gordon Fraser (Munlochy)
2) Jill Blackburn (Galashiels)
3) Fraser Burke (Dundee)
Junior Accordion Solo Pipe Music – Bill Black Cup
1) Gordon Fraser (Munlochy)
2) Stewart Walker (Inverness)
3) Fraser Burke (Dundee)
Junior Traditional Duet
1)
2)
3)
Senior Accordion
Senior Traditional Accordion Solo – Clinkscale Cup
1) Ian Skinner (Blackburn, West Lothian)
2) John Burns (Cumbernauld)
3) Wendy Godfrey (Perth)
Senior Accordion Pipe Music Solo – Bill Powrie Memorial Cup
1) Andrew Gordon (Bonhill)
2) Gordon Middler (Aberdeen)
3) Mhairi Coutts (Kirkcaldy)
Senior Overall Accordion Champion - The Bobby MacLeod Trophy
Andrew Gordon (Bonhill)
Open Buttonkey Accordion Solo – Windygates Trophy
1) Alexander Lindsay (Amulree)
2) Duncan McKinnon (Glasgow)
3) John Weaks (Glasgow)
Trios – Jimmy Blue Trophy
1) The Balgray Trio (Dundee)
2) Wendy Godfrey (Perth)
Bands – Overall Winner - Iain MacPhail Cup
Camperdown Ceilidh Band (Dundee)
Band – Rhythm Section - Arthur Easson Memorial Trophy
Camperdown Ceilidh Band, Dundee
Own Composition – Willie Wilson Cup
1) Alex Morrison (Forres)
2) Maureen Rutherford (Dundee)
3) John Burns (Cumbernauld)
Under 12 Classical Solo – Kelso Cup
1) Elizabeth Stirrat (Paisley)
2) Gordon McRae (Didcot)
3) Brian MacDonald (Ayr)
Under 14 Classical Solo – Aberdeen Cup
1) Julie Hamilton (Carstairs)
2) Gordon Shaw (Airdrie)
3)
Under 16 Classical Solo – Dundee shield
1) Jill Blackburn (Galashiels)
2) Jill Craig (Haddington)
3) David Nisbet (Earlston)
Open Classical Solo – Clinkscale Shield
1) Glenda Taylor (Beith)
2) Brian Aitchison (Galashiels)
3) Esma Mitchell (Edinburgh)
Under 13 Classical Duet – Beith & District A&F Club Cups (Willie Wilson Memorial Trophies)
1) Craig MacDonald (Ayr) & Brian MacDonald (Ayr)
2)
Under 16 Classical Duet - Alex MacArthur Cups
1) David Nisbet (Earlston) & Jill Blackburn (Galashiels)
2) Gordon Shaw (Airdrie) & William Paterson (Coatbridge)
3) Alistair Dunnet (Tranent) & Julie Hamilton (Carstairs)
Open Classical Duet – Dunfermline Cup
1) Sarah Armstrong (Northumberland) & Katie Donald (Lauder)
2) Brian Aitchison (Galashiels) & Paul Chamberlain (Lauder)
3)
Classical Polka
Under 10 Classical Polka Solo – The Todhills Trophy
1) Brian MacDonald (Ayr)
2) Elizabeth Stirrat (Paisley)
Under 14 Classical Polka Solo – Newtongrange Shield
1) Gordon Shaw (Airdrie)
2) Fraser Burke (Dundee)
3) Alistair Dunnet (Tranent)
Open Classical Polka Solo – Tign-Na-Gorm Cup
1) David Nisbet (Earlston)
2) Jill Blackburn (Galalshiels)
3) Brian Aitchison (Galashiels)
Fiddle Sections
Junior Fiddle Solo – MSR – Association Cup
1) Patsy Reid (Knapp)
2) Jane McLeod (Dundee)
3) Stephenie Brough (Dundee)
Junior Fiddle Solo – Slow Air – Dougie Welsh Cup
1) Stephenie Brough (Dundee)
2) Patsy Reid (Knapp)
3) Jane McLeod (Dundee)
Senior Fiddle Solo – Slow Strathspey, MSR – St. Boswell Cup
1) Susan McIntosh (Aberdeen)
2) Laura McGhee (Monifeith)
3) Sarah Fraser (Crieff)
Senior Fiddle Solo – Slow Air – Ron Gonella Cup
1) Laura McGhee (Monifeith)
2) Susan McIntosh (Aberdeen)
3=) Sarah Fraser (Crieff)
3=) Dick Rutter (Edinburgh)
Open Fiddle Championship – Banchory S&R Society Trophy
1) Laura McGhee (Monifeith)
2=) Susan McIntosh (Aberdeen)
2=) Stephenie Brough (Dundee)
Senior Fiddle Overall Champion - The Angus Fitchet Trophy
Susan McIntosh (Aberdeen)
Open Fiddle Groups – Lesmahagow Quaich
Tayside Youth Strathspey and Reel Group
Youngest Girl Competitor – John McQueen Medal
Elizabeth Stirrat (Paisley)
Youngest Boy Competitor – John McQueen Medal
Brian MacDonald (Ayr)
Musselburgh Festival 1996
by Neil Copland
Saturday, 2nd March, 1996, was the date for the 22nd Annual Accordion and Fiddle Championships organized by the N.A.A.F.C. in the Brunton Halls, Musselburgh.
Advance notification from East Lothian District Council that, due to refurbishment works, both the Theatre and the Concourse Area would not be available caused a major rethink of the scheduling of competitions and halls. However, despite some early concerns, it was still possible to accommodate all competitions within the Brunton Halls complex. On arrival at the Halls on Saturday morning, it emerged that the so-called works had not yet commenced and that the ‘lost’ accommodation would have been available after all. All that was missing however, were the trade stands in the main foyer – in all other respects, Musselburgh Festival 1996 was just as in previous years. The problem of 1995 (no heating) certainly was not evident this year with the main complaint being that the complex was too hot! A minor hiccup over the Box Office opening times caused some concern early on but this was resolved by mid morning and ticket sales were then available.
Entries were slightly up from 1995 and competitors came from as far afield as the Isle of Lewis, Wick, Northern Ireland and Oxfordshire – surely proving the Musselburgh Festival is a national event in the musical calendar. However, a major disappointment was the continued lack of Band entries – so come on all you budding bandleaders, give us your support next time – it is, after all, for fun! This lack of competitors did not detract from a very entertaining competition and it appeared that the result, when announced, was welcomed by the majority of those spectators present.
The number of people attending the event during the day was slightly down on previous years and this was most evident in the Main Hall where there were still some empty seats during the afternoon competitions - a situation which would have been unthinkable some years ago. There was also a marked drop in the number of people attending both the Evening Concert and Grand Dance and the Festival Committee will be discussing the possible reasons for this at its next meeting. The standard of playing throughout the day, however, certainly could not be described as down, and all of the adjudicators commented on the tremendously high standard of playing from all competitors.
The introduction of the new Open Fiddle Competition Solo Class proved to be a major success and the evening play-off by three finalists was, for me (an accordionist), the highlight of the concert. Also featured in the concert this year was the play-off for the Senior Accordion (Traditional) Championship and Jim Johnstone certainly had a most unenviable task to deal with during an exceptionally high standard final.
Ken Mutch and the B.B.C. Team were once again present to record the evening concert and interview some of the day’s ‘celebrities’ and their presence and continued support of the Festival was gratefully welcomed by the Committee. Ken also invited the new Open Fiddle champion – Laura McGhee from Monifeith – to take part in a Take the Floor outside broadcast from Stirling with Duncan Black’s Band and Anne Lorne Gillies – surely a great opportunity for a very talented young musician.
Following the highly entertaining concert, compered this year for the first time by Jennifer Forrest and which was rounded off with Ian Thomson’s SDB, Ian and his band of merry men (and woman!) took centre stage for the ‘Grand Dance’ – and that is exactly what it was. A great sound and with the floor full for every dance, it looked as though the Committee had yet again ‘got it right’ in their choice of band. This year the dance lasted until 12.45 a.m. at the suggestion of members of the public in 1995 and any comments on this venture would be most welcome.
In concluding, I would like to thank all of the Festival Committee, the many helpers, adjudicators, teachers, parents, Festival supporters and most importantly, the competitors for their support in thus again proving that Musselburgh Festival is the ‘friendly Festival’. Without them there would be no Festival. It was nice to arrive home shattered but satisfied that yet again, a successful and enjoyable day had been had by all who attended.