23rd Musselburgh Festival 1997
by Neil Copland
B&F April 1997
MUSSELBURGH 1997
Junior Accordion
Under 12 Traditional Accordion Solo – Pentland Cup
1) Brian MacDonald (Ayr)
2) Craig MacDonald (Ayr)
3) Laura Lindsay (Forfar)
12 and Under 16 Traditional Solo – Jim Johnstone Cup
1) Liam Stewart (Galston)
2) Fraser Burke (Dundee)
3) Ian Watson (Dalkeith)
Junior Accordion Solo Pipe Music – Bill Black Cup
1) Fraser Burke (Dundee)
2) Janette Morrison (Forres)
3) Ross Fleming (Blairgowrie)
Junior Traditional Duet – Angus Howie Cups
1) Fiona and Kirsty Johnston (Currie)
2)
3)
Senior Accordion
Senior Traditional Accordion Solo – Clinkscale Cup
1) Shirley Campbell (Paisley)
2) Michael Philip (Cardenden)
3) Wendy Godfrey (Perth)
Senior Accordion Pipe Music Solo – Bill Powrie Memorial Cup
1) Michael Philip (Cardenden)
2) Ian Shepherd (Dalkeith)
3) George Burns (Kilsyth)
Senior Overall Accordion Champion - The Bobby MacLeod Trophy
Michael Philip (Cardenden)
Open Buttonkey Accordion Solo – Windygates Trophy
1) Alexander Lindsay (Amulree)
2) Graeme MacKay (Inverness)
3) John Weaks (Glasgow)
Trios – Jimmy Blue Trophy
1) Sandy Leggat (Alloway)
2) Balgray Trio (Dundee)
Bands – Overall Winner - Iain MacPhail Cup
Sandy Leggat (alloway)
Band – Rhythm Section - Arthur Easson Memorial Trophy
Sandy Leggat (Alloway)
Own Composition – Willie Wilson Cup
1) Stepanie Brough (Dundee)
2) Michael Philip (Cardenden)
3) Maureen Rutherford (Dundee)
Under 12 Classical Solo – Kelso Cup
1) Elizabeth Stirrat (Paisley)
2) Craig MacDonald (Ayr)
3) Caitlin O’Donnell (Peebles)
Under 14 Classical Solo – Aberdeen Cup
1) Ross Fleming (Blairgowrie)
2) Blair Gardiner (Carnwath)
3) Julie Hamilton (Carstairs)
Under 16 Classical Solo – Dundee shield
1) David Nisbet (Earlston)
2) Janette Morrison (Forres)
3) Paul Chamberlain (Bowden)
Open Classical Solo – Clinkscale Shield
1) Marie Leonard (Dunfermline)
2) Graeme Richmond (Inchinnan)
3) Simon Bain (Renfrew)
Under 13 Classical Duet – Beith & District A&F Club Cups (Willie Wilson Memorial Trophies)
1) Brian & Craig MacDonald (Ayr)
2) Tom Orr (Hyndfordbridge,Lanark) & Kirsty Johnson(Currie)
Under 16 Classical Duet - Alex MacArthur Cups
1) Alison Carswell (Biggar) & Alastair Dunnet (Tranent)
2) Julie Hamilton (Carstairs) & Blair Gardiner (Carnwath)
3) Richard Smith (Coalburn) & Robert Allison (Carluke)
Open Classical Duet – Dunfermline Cup
1) Jennifer Taylor (Biggar) & Elizabeth Jones (Abington)
2) Brian & Craig MacDonald (Ayr)
3)
Classical Polka
Under 10 Classical Polka Solo – The Todhills Trophy
1) Elizabeth Stirrat (Paisley)
2)
Under 14 Classical Polka Solo – Newtongrange Shield
1) Richard Smith (Coalburn)
2) Ross Fleming (Blairgowrie)
3) Liam Stewart (Galston)
Open Classical Polka Solo – Tign-Na-Gorm Cup
1) Glenda Taylor (Beith)
2) Andrew Gordon (Bonhill)
3) Fraser Burke (Dundee)
Fiddle Sections
Junior Fiddle Solo – MSR – Association Cup
1)
2)
3)
Junior Fiddle Solo – Slow Air – Dougie Welsh Cup
1) Stephenie Brough (Dundee)
2) Ingrid Hammond (Dundee)
3) Patsy Reid (Knapp)
Senior Fiddle Solo – Slow Strathspey, MSR – St. Boswell Cup
1) Susan McIntosh (Westhill)
2) Elisabeth Kaufmann (Grangemouth)
3) Dick Rutter (Edinburgh)
Senior Fiddle Solo – Slow Air – Ron Gonella Cup
1) Susan McIntosh (Westhill)
2) Dick Rutter (Edinburgh)
3) Elisabeth Kaufmann (Grangemouth)
Open Fiddle Championship – Banchory S&R Society Trophy
1) Patsy Reid (Knapp)
2=) Susan McIntosh (Westhill)
2=) Jane MacLeod (Dundee)
Senior Fiddle Overall Champion - The Angus Fitchet Trophy
Susan McIntosh (Westhill)
Open Fiddle Groups – Lesmahagow Quaich
Tayside Youth Group (Dundee)
Youngest Girl Competitor – John McQueen Medal
Elizabeth Stirrat (Paisley)
Youngest Boy Competitor – John McQueen Medal
Brian MacDonald (Ayr)
Musselburgh Festival, 1997
by Neil Copland
Saturday, 1st March 1997 – St David’s Day? – No, Musselburgh Festival 1997. I think the Musselburgh area could certainly claim to have had as many leeks! As any area in Wales on this special day in the Accordion and fiddle Club calendar.
All the weeks and months of preparation by the Organising Committee were complete. Entries, at 210+, were well up (27%) on 1996 and a bumper day of music and renewed friendships was anticipated. The dawning of a very wet, cold, windy and utterly horrible Saturday caused all who had to travel, some concern, not least the Organising Committee – would our bumper entry materialize with live players? Our fears were dispelled as the morning progressed and all our well known and some new, not so well known, competitors started to appear at the Registration Deck.
The usual band of Committee members and other very loyal and willing helpers were at the Brunton Hall just after 8.00 a.m. to ensure a very enjoyable day for competitors and visitors at the 23rd Annual Accordion and Fiddle Championships organised by the N.A.A.F.C.
The much promised refurbishment works at the Brunton Halls have now actually been carried out although they were not quite complete prior to our recent visit. It was somewhat disorientating therefore for Musselburgh regulars not to find the Festival Office, Registration Desk and Box Office in their usual locations in the foyer area. These minor matters didn’t cause any problems however, and competitions got under way as scheduled at 9 a.m.
The Adjudicators Panel this year had no fewer than five highly respected musicians making their first appearance at Musselburgh in this capacity – they were Doug Cargill, Colin Dewar, Marie fielding, Sandy Nixon and Bill Smith. Joining them were Julie Best, John Crawford and Gordon Simpson. Without exception, the adjudicators commented on the very high standard of playing from all, but particularly the junior competitors.
As the day progressed towards the climax of the competitive part of the Festival later in the afternoon, the number of people attending the event during the day was clearly up on recent years. Without doubt, this helped contribute to the superb atmosphere in and around the upstairs concourse and bar areas. This was Musselburgh Festival of old – lots of people enjoying good music and a friendly chat with friends and acquaintances.
After a slight delay, the Evening Concert (this year attended by more than 160 people) and ably compered by Jennifer Forrest, got under way. This gave members of the public the opportunity to hear most of the new Champions. The Concert this year included the final of the Senior Accordion (Pipe Music) Solo and the recently introduced Open Fiddle Championship Solo. In both cases, the adjudicators were again forced to work very hard thanks to the exceptionally high standard of playing by all of the finalists. The concert was rounded off in great style by Iain MacPhail and his band – what a taster for the music to follow during the dance. Once again, BBC Radio Scotland’s ‘Take the Floor’ team were present to record the concert as a feature for a future edition of the programme. Musselburgh Festival really does appreciate the continued support of Ken Mutch and his team.
After a short break during which the hall was cleared and made ready for the dance and Iain MacPhail and his band again took the stage. This year in excess of 300 people were at the dance and what a night it was – great music, a superb atmosphere and as I’ve already said to many people, a return to the style and fun of Musselburgh Festivals gone by. Iain and the band were making a return visit to Musselburgh after a gap of 20 years – yes, he last played at Musselburgh Festival Dance in 1977! It’s interesting to note at this point, that, in all 23 years of Musselburgh Festival, only two bands have played at the Dance on more than one occasion – Iain MacPhail (1977 & 1997) and NAAFC Chairman Jim Johnstone (1978, 1979 & 1985). This clearly shows that there is a considerably wealth of good bands playing our type of music.
Another first for Musselburgh Festival in 1997 was the presence of BBC Scotland’s ‘TTF’ team to record the dance and music of Iain MacPhail for a future edition of the programme. This meant that the paying public were getting double value for their money – a great band and a chance to be on national radio! This was a brave decision by Ken Mutchto attempt to capture the atmosphere of an established event to a level that will come across on air. This I’m sure, he achieved and without too much intrusion into the enjoyment of the people present at the dance.
Before I finish, I feel that mention must be made of the unfortunate situation that occurred in relation to the bar facilities at the dance. The lack of staff and stock has already been discussed with the Caterer and will be further discussed by the Festival Organising Committeein due course. I offer apologies to all who suffered as a result of these difficulties and hope that this situation will not prevent you from coming back in 1998.
I cannot finish without publicly thanking everyone who made Musselburgh Festival 1997 a huge success – Competitors, Teachers, Parents, Adjudicators, Jennifer Forrest, Committee members, all volunteer helpers, BBC Radio Scotland, Brunton Hall Box Office and Caretaking Staff, Catering and Bar Staff and not forgetting the very hard working Festival Secretary, Margaret Macari. To you all, a very, very big Thank You. I hope that everyone who attended Musselburgh Festival in 1997 enjoyed his or her day as much as I enjoyed mine.
Here’s to 7th March 1998!!!! See you there.
Junior Accordion
Under 12 Traditional Accordion Solo – Pentland Cup
1) Brian MacDonald (Ayr)
2) Craig MacDonald (Ayr)
3) Laura Lindsay (Forfar)
12 and Under 16 Traditional Solo – Jim Johnstone Cup
1) Liam Stewart (Galston)
2) Fraser Burke (Dundee)
3) Ian Watson (Dalkeith)
Junior Accordion Solo Pipe Music – Bill Black Cup
1) Fraser Burke (Dundee)
2) Janette Morrison (Forres)
3) Ross Fleming (Blairgowrie)
Junior Traditional Duet – Angus Howie Cups
1) Fiona and Kirsty Johnston (Currie)
2)
3)
Senior Accordion
Senior Traditional Accordion Solo – Clinkscale Cup
1) Shirley Campbell (Paisley)
2) Michael Philip (Cardenden)
3) Wendy Godfrey (Perth)
Senior Accordion Pipe Music Solo – Bill Powrie Memorial Cup
1) Michael Philip (Cardenden)
2) Ian Shepherd (Dalkeith)
3) George Burns (Kilsyth)
Senior Overall Accordion Champion - The Bobby MacLeod Trophy
Michael Philip (Cardenden)
Open Buttonkey Accordion Solo – Windygates Trophy
1) Alexander Lindsay (Amulree)
2) Graeme MacKay (Inverness)
3) John Weaks (Glasgow)
Trios – Jimmy Blue Trophy
1) Sandy Leggat (Alloway)
2) Balgray Trio (Dundee)
Bands – Overall Winner - Iain MacPhail Cup
Sandy Leggat (alloway)
Band – Rhythm Section - Arthur Easson Memorial Trophy
Sandy Leggat (Alloway)
Own Composition – Willie Wilson Cup
1) Stepanie Brough (Dundee)
2) Michael Philip (Cardenden)
3) Maureen Rutherford (Dundee)
Under 12 Classical Solo – Kelso Cup
1) Elizabeth Stirrat (Paisley)
2) Craig MacDonald (Ayr)
3) Caitlin O’Donnell (Peebles)
Under 14 Classical Solo – Aberdeen Cup
1) Ross Fleming (Blairgowrie)
2) Blair Gardiner (Carnwath)
3) Julie Hamilton (Carstairs)
Under 16 Classical Solo – Dundee shield
1) David Nisbet (Earlston)
2) Janette Morrison (Forres)
3) Paul Chamberlain (Bowden)
Open Classical Solo – Clinkscale Shield
1) Marie Leonard (Dunfermline)
2) Graeme Richmond (Inchinnan)
3) Simon Bain (Renfrew)
Under 13 Classical Duet – Beith & District A&F Club Cups (Willie Wilson Memorial Trophies)
1) Brian & Craig MacDonald (Ayr)
2) Tom Orr (Hyndfordbridge,Lanark) & Kirsty Johnson(Currie)
Under 16 Classical Duet - Alex MacArthur Cups
1) Alison Carswell (Biggar) & Alastair Dunnet (Tranent)
2) Julie Hamilton (Carstairs) & Blair Gardiner (Carnwath)
3) Richard Smith (Coalburn) & Robert Allison (Carluke)
Open Classical Duet – Dunfermline Cup
1) Jennifer Taylor (Biggar) & Elizabeth Jones (Abington)
2) Brian & Craig MacDonald (Ayr)
3)
Classical Polka
Under 10 Classical Polka Solo – The Todhills Trophy
1) Elizabeth Stirrat (Paisley)
2)
Under 14 Classical Polka Solo – Newtongrange Shield
1) Richard Smith (Coalburn)
2) Ross Fleming (Blairgowrie)
3) Liam Stewart (Galston)
Open Classical Polka Solo – Tign-Na-Gorm Cup
1) Glenda Taylor (Beith)
2) Andrew Gordon (Bonhill)
3) Fraser Burke (Dundee)
Fiddle Sections
Junior Fiddle Solo – MSR – Association Cup
1)
2)
3)
Junior Fiddle Solo – Slow Air – Dougie Welsh Cup
1) Stephenie Brough (Dundee)
2) Ingrid Hammond (Dundee)
3) Patsy Reid (Knapp)
Senior Fiddle Solo – Slow Strathspey, MSR – St. Boswell Cup
1) Susan McIntosh (Westhill)
2) Elisabeth Kaufmann (Grangemouth)
3) Dick Rutter (Edinburgh)
Senior Fiddle Solo – Slow Air – Ron Gonella Cup
1) Susan McIntosh (Westhill)
2) Dick Rutter (Edinburgh)
3) Elisabeth Kaufmann (Grangemouth)
Open Fiddle Championship – Banchory S&R Society Trophy
1) Patsy Reid (Knapp)
2=) Susan McIntosh (Westhill)
2=) Jane MacLeod (Dundee)
Senior Fiddle Overall Champion - The Angus Fitchet Trophy
Susan McIntosh (Westhill)
Open Fiddle Groups – Lesmahagow Quaich
Tayside Youth Group (Dundee)
Youngest Girl Competitor – John McQueen Medal
Elizabeth Stirrat (Paisley)
Youngest Boy Competitor – John McQueen Medal
Brian MacDonald (Ayr)
Musselburgh Festival, 1997
by Neil Copland
Saturday, 1st March 1997 – St David’s Day? – No, Musselburgh Festival 1997. I think the Musselburgh area could certainly claim to have had as many leeks! As any area in Wales on this special day in the Accordion and fiddle Club calendar.
All the weeks and months of preparation by the Organising Committee were complete. Entries, at 210+, were well up (27%) on 1996 and a bumper day of music and renewed friendships was anticipated. The dawning of a very wet, cold, windy and utterly horrible Saturday caused all who had to travel, some concern, not least the Organising Committee – would our bumper entry materialize with live players? Our fears were dispelled as the morning progressed and all our well known and some new, not so well known, competitors started to appear at the Registration Deck.
The usual band of Committee members and other very loyal and willing helpers were at the Brunton Hall just after 8.00 a.m. to ensure a very enjoyable day for competitors and visitors at the 23rd Annual Accordion and Fiddle Championships organised by the N.A.A.F.C.
The much promised refurbishment works at the Brunton Halls have now actually been carried out although they were not quite complete prior to our recent visit. It was somewhat disorientating therefore for Musselburgh regulars not to find the Festival Office, Registration Desk and Box Office in their usual locations in the foyer area. These minor matters didn’t cause any problems however, and competitions got under way as scheduled at 9 a.m.
The Adjudicators Panel this year had no fewer than five highly respected musicians making their first appearance at Musselburgh in this capacity – they were Doug Cargill, Colin Dewar, Marie fielding, Sandy Nixon and Bill Smith. Joining them were Julie Best, John Crawford and Gordon Simpson. Without exception, the adjudicators commented on the very high standard of playing from all, but particularly the junior competitors.
As the day progressed towards the climax of the competitive part of the Festival later in the afternoon, the number of people attending the event during the day was clearly up on recent years. Without doubt, this helped contribute to the superb atmosphere in and around the upstairs concourse and bar areas. This was Musselburgh Festival of old – lots of people enjoying good music and a friendly chat with friends and acquaintances.
After a slight delay, the Evening Concert (this year attended by more than 160 people) and ably compered by Jennifer Forrest, got under way. This gave members of the public the opportunity to hear most of the new Champions. The Concert this year included the final of the Senior Accordion (Pipe Music) Solo and the recently introduced Open Fiddle Championship Solo. In both cases, the adjudicators were again forced to work very hard thanks to the exceptionally high standard of playing by all of the finalists. The concert was rounded off in great style by Iain MacPhail and his band – what a taster for the music to follow during the dance. Once again, BBC Radio Scotland’s ‘Take the Floor’ team were present to record the concert as a feature for a future edition of the programme. Musselburgh Festival really does appreciate the continued support of Ken Mutch and his team.
After a short break during which the hall was cleared and made ready for the dance and Iain MacPhail and his band again took the stage. This year in excess of 300 people were at the dance and what a night it was – great music, a superb atmosphere and as I’ve already said to many people, a return to the style and fun of Musselburgh Festivals gone by. Iain and the band were making a return visit to Musselburgh after a gap of 20 years – yes, he last played at Musselburgh Festival Dance in 1977! It’s interesting to note at this point, that, in all 23 years of Musselburgh Festival, only two bands have played at the Dance on more than one occasion – Iain MacPhail (1977 & 1997) and NAAFC Chairman Jim Johnstone (1978, 1979 & 1985). This clearly shows that there is a considerably wealth of good bands playing our type of music.
Another first for Musselburgh Festival in 1997 was the presence of BBC Scotland’s ‘TTF’ team to record the dance and music of Iain MacPhail for a future edition of the programme. This meant that the paying public were getting double value for their money – a great band and a chance to be on national radio! This was a brave decision by Ken Mutchto attempt to capture the atmosphere of an established event to a level that will come across on air. This I’m sure, he achieved and without too much intrusion into the enjoyment of the people present at the dance.
Before I finish, I feel that mention must be made of the unfortunate situation that occurred in relation to the bar facilities at the dance. The lack of staff and stock has already been discussed with the Caterer and will be further discussed by the Festival Organising Committeein due course. I offer apologies to all who suffered as a result of these difficulties and hope that this situation will not prevent you from coming back in 1998.
I cannot finish without publicly thanking everyone who made Musselburgh Festival 1997 a huge success – Competitors, Teachers, Parents, Adjudicators, Jennifer Forrest, Committee members, all volunteer helpers, BBC Radio Scotland, Brunton Hall Box Office and Caretaking Staff, Catering and Bar Staff and not forgetting the very hard working Festival Secretary, Margaret Macari. To you all, a very, very big Thank You. I hope that everyone who attended Musselburgh Festival in 1997 enjoyed his or her day as much as I enjoyed mine.
Here’s to 7th March 1998!!!! See you there.