30 Year Celebration Evening at Galston Accordion Club
by David Ross (Secretary)
Galston Accordion Club, which is presented in the Barr Castle Social Club in Galston every month from October till March, held a celebration Dinner / Social there on Friday, 26th March 1999 to commemorate 30 years since the Club was formed in 1969.
A full house was in attendance, which was appreciated, and I’m sure everyone enjoyed their evening. Our invited guests were Robbie Shepherd, BBC presenter of ‘Take the Floor’ and ‘The Reel Blend’ who was only too pleased to accept our invitation, as was Jim Johnstone, well-known danceband leader and broadcaster who attended in his capacity as Chairman of the N.A.A.F.C.
We were delighted that they were able to attend and featured as our main speakers. First we had the dinner which was first class and promptly served by the waitresses – well done to all concerned. After a short interval we resumed the proceedings. Billy Stewart (a founder member) chaired the evening, firstly introducing David Ross (also a founder member) who gave a resume of the history of the Club, its development, progress and outlook, mentioning some highlights. Jim Johnstone followed and gave us a very humourous summary of his life and rise to fame as well as the work of the Association.
Billy Stewart then introduced Robbie Shepherd who entertained us admirably and enlightened us to his work in the Scottish music scene. At the end of his presentation Robbie proposed a toast to ‘Galston Accordion Club’. Billy Stewart then introduced Derek Hamilton who is also a Committee member to propose a Vote of Thanks to the speakers and this he did in a most professional manner. We had a Birthday cake which enabled us to invite Nancy Rodie (widow of the other founder member, Bill Rodie, who sadly died in January 1994) to cut for us.
The evening now turned to entertainment and we had the Roy Hendrie Trio playing for dancing. Liam Stewart played the accordion and showed us why he is the current Junior Scottish Champion and Linton MacMillan sang some songs ably accompanied by Ian Muir on the accordion, Ian having come direct to us after the ‘Pride of the Clyde’ Show in the Palace Theatre, Kilmarnock. The evening drew to a close around 12.30 but could have went on a lot longer and a good time was had by all.
Thanks to everyone who supported and helped in every way. See you in October.
Box and Fiddle
September 1999
A full house was in attendance, which was appreciated, and I’m sure everyone enjoyed their evening. Our invited guests were Robbie Shepherd, BBC presenter of ‘Take the Floor’ and ‘The Reel Blend’ who was only too pleased to accept our invitation, as was Jim Johnstone, well-known danceband leader and broadcaster who attended in his capacity as Chairman of the N.A.A.F.C.
We were delighted that they were able to attend and featured as our main speakers. First we had the dinner which was first class and promptly served by the waitresses – well done to all concerned. After a short interval we resumed the proceedings. Billy Stewart (a founder member) chaired the evening, firstly introducing David Ross (also a founder member) who gave a resume of the history of the Club, its development, progress and outlook, mentioning some highlights. Jim Johnstone followed and gave us a very humourous summary of his life and rise to fame as well as the work of the Association.
Billy Stewart then introduced Robbie Shepherd who entertained us admirably and enlightened us to his work in the Scottish music scene. At the end of his presentation Robbie proposed a toast to ‘Galston Accordion Club’. Billy Stewart then introduced Derek Hamilton who is also a Committee member to propose a Vote of Thanks to the speakers and this he did in a most professional manner. We had a Birthday cake which enabled us to invite Nancy Rodie (widow of the other founder member, Bill Rodie, who sadly died in January 1994) to cut for us.
The evening now turned to entertainment and we had the Roy Hendrie Trio playing for dancing. Liam Stewart played the accordion and showed us why he is the current Junior Scottish Champion and Linton MacMillan sang some songs ably accompanied by Ian Muir on the accordion, Ian having come direct to us after the ‘Pride of the Clyde’ Show in the Palace Theatre, Kilmarnock. The evening drew to a close around 12.30 but could have went on a lot longer and a good time was had by all.
Thanks to everyone who supported and helped in every way. See you in October.
Box and Fiddle
September 1999