38th Inshyra Festival 2012
James Coutts gives the Chairman’s Report for the 38th Annual NAAFC Festival at Inshyra Grange
by James Coutts
B&F April 2012
All roads led to Polmont on Saturday 3rd March for the 2012 NAAFC Festival. The MacDonald Inshyra Grange Hotel was again the venue for a great day of music and socialising.
Unfortunately competition entries were down on recent years, but what we lacked in quantity was more than off-set by the quality of music on offer. Two particularly good examples of this were the Under 10 and Under 12 Trad Accordion Solos where the standard was absolutely awesome.
We were delighted to introduce a new Bands section trophy, kindly donated by Dave and Lil Millward, in memory of the late Duncan Campbell of Oban who rarely, if ever, missed a Festival. To compete for this trophy, at least four members of the band, including the leader had to be under 16 years of age. The two bands who were eligible to compete for the new trophy did themselves proud and, I’m sure, gained great experience from it.
The adjudicators worked tirelessly throughout the day giving great feedback and encouragement to the competitors and this, I am sure, will inspire them to practice and study hard, and to come back even better players next year.
The Festival was delighted to continue its long association with BBC Radio Scotland and I’d like to convey my sincere thanks to Jennifer Cruickshank and her team for the tremendous coverage they gave the Festival.
We are also very pleased that Pat Reid, Provost of Falkirk Council, accepted our invitation to attend the Festival. He thoroughly enjoyed the music and has kindly offered to donate a trophy to the Festival on behalf of Falkirk Council. The Festival Committee would be very interested to hear any suggestions as to what the trophy may be used for.
In such a difficult economic climate, we had a very healthy uptake of trade stands and programme adverts and this helps to keep the cost of entry fees and admissions as low as we possibly can.
After a very enjoyable Prize Winners concert, the brilliant music of Graeme Mitchell and his Band brought the day to a great climax at the Grand Dance. Loved by dancers and musicians alike, they treated us to many of their classic sets, all played with great swing and lift, right through to 1am on the Sunday morning.
The Festival will return to Inshyra Grange on Saturday 2nd March 2013 and we hope to see a big turnout of competitors and enthusiasts to generate a great atmosphere and to ensure YOUR Festival continues to remain viable.
Of course, Festival don’t just happen and I’d like to convey my sincere thanks to all the competitors, teachers, helpers, traders, advertisers, member clubs and enthusiasts for their continued support. I’d particularly like to thanks Eleanor and John Bond of Ayr, and Billy Hutton of Campsie who, once again, gave a substantial financial donation to the Festival, not forgetting the Festival Committee for their enthusiasm, hard work and friendship throughout the year.
RESULTS
Junior Accordion
Under 10 Traditional Accordion Solo – Islesteps Shield
1) Cameron McLaren
2)
3)
Under 12 Traditional Accordion Solo – Pentland Cup
1) Ewan Dowie
2)
3)
12 and Under 16 Traditional Accordion Solo – Jim Johnstone Cup
1) Adam Gibb
2)
3)
12 and Under 16 Traditional Accordion Solo – James Paterson Memorial Trophy
Most Promising Player
Cameron Duncan
Junior Accordion Solo Pipe Music – Bill Black Cup
1) Adam Gibb
2)
3)
Junior Traditional Duet – Angus Howie Cups
1) Magnus & Anna Westwall
2)
3)
Overall Junior Accordion Champion – Alex Little Memorial Trophy
Adam Gibb
Senior Accordion
Senior Traditional Accordion Solo – Clinkscale Cup
1) Neil-Angus MacNeil
2)
3)
Senior Accordion Pipe Music Solo – Bill Powrie Memorial Cup
1) Neil-Angus MacNeil
2)
3)
Open Accordion Championship – Todhills Trophy
1) Emma Dickson
2)
3)
Senior Overall Accordion Champion - The Bobby MacLeod Trophy
Neil-Angus MacNeil
Open Buttonkey Accordion Solo – Windygates Trophy
1) Brandon McPhee
2)
3)
Trios – Jimmy Blue Trophy & Eric Goodfellow Memorial Shield
1) Maggie Adamson
Trio Runners-Up – Eric Goodfellow Memorial Shield
Craig Paton
Trios – Best Piano Player – David Flockhart Shield
Maggie Adamson
Bands – Overall Winner - Iain MacPhail Cup
Craig Paton
Runners Up John Fairbairn Memorial Trophy
Adam Gibb
Band – Rhythm Section - Arthur Easson Memorial Trophy
Craig Paton
Junior Band – Duncan Campbell of Oban Memorial Trophy
E Dowie & K Innes
Own Composition – Willie Wilson Cup
1) Marie Fielding
2)
3)
RSCDS Open Dance – RSCDS Trophy
1) Shona MacFadyen
2)
Under 12 Classical Solo – Kelso Cup
1) India Smith
2)
3)
Under 14 Classical Solo – Aberdeen Cup
1) No Entry
2)
3)
Under 16 Classical Solo – Dundee Shield
1) Emma Dickson
2)
3)
Under 14 Classical Polka Solo – Newtongrange Shield
1)
2)
3)
Open Classical Solo – Jimmy Clinkscale Shield
1) Emma Dickson
2)
3)
Under 13 Classical Duet – Beith & District A&F Club Cups (Willie Wilson Memorial Trophies)
1) Alan & Kyle Rowan
2)
Under 16 Classical Duet - Alex MacArthur Cups
1) Andrew & Samantha Erskine
2)
3)
Open Classical Duet – Dunfermline Cup
1) Adam Gibb & Emma Dickson
2)
3)
Classical Polka
Under 10 Classical Polka Solo – The Todhills Trophy
1)
2)
Under 14 Classical Polka Solo – Newtongrange Shield
1) Kyle Innes
2)
3)
Open Classical Polka Solo – Tign-Na-Gorm Cup
1) Paul Capaldi
2)
3)
Under 14 Classical Musette Accordion Solo – John Laidlaw Memorial Trophy
1) Kyle Innes
2)
3)
Open Classical Musette Accordion Solo – Christine Hunter Memorial Trophy
1) Paul Capaldi
2)
3)
Fiddle Sections
Under 12 Fiddle Solo – NAAFC Musselburgh Festival Trophy
1) Anna Westwall
2)
3)
Junior Fiddle Solo – MSR – Strathspey and Reel Association Cup & Kirsy’s Ceilidh Shield
1) George Davidson
2)
3)
Junior Fiddle Solo – Slow Air – Dougie Welsh Memorial Cup
1) George Davidson
2)
3)
Senior Fiddle Solo – Slow Strathspey, MSR – St. Boswell Cup
1) Maggie Adamson
2)
3)
Senior Fiddle Solo – Slow Air – Ron Gonella Cup
1) Maggie Adamson
2)
3)
Open Fiddle Championship – Banchory S&R Society Trophy
1) Maggie Adamson
2)
3)
Open Fiddle Solo Hornpipe and Jig – John Ellis Trophy
1) Maggie Adamson
2)
3)
Overall Fiddle Champion - The Angus Fitchet Trophy
Maggie Adamson
Overall Junior Fiddle Champion – Judith Linton Trophy
George Davidson
Open Fiddle Groups – Lesmahagow Quaich
1) No Strings Attached
2)
3)
Youngest Girl Competitor – John McQueen Medal
Rhiann Matthew
Youngest Boy Competitor – John McQueen Medal
Cameron McLaren
Unfortunately competition entries were down on recent years, but what we lacked in quantity was more than off-set by the quality of music on offer. Two particularly good examples of this were the Under 10 and Under 12 Trad Accordion Solos where the standard was absolutely awesome.
We were delighted to introduce a new Bands section trophy, kindly donated by Dave and Lil Millward, in memory of the late Duncan Campbell of Oban who rarely, if ever, missed a Festival. To compete for this trophy, at least four members of the band, including the leader had to be under 16 years of age. The two bands who were eligible to compete for the new trophy did themselves proud and, I’m sure, gained great experience from it.
The adjudicators worked tirelessly throughout the day giving great feedback and encouragement to the competitors and this, I am sure, will inspire them to practice and study hard, and to come back even better players next year.
The Festival was delighted to continue its long association with BBC Radio Scotland and I’d like to convey my sincere thanks to Jennifer Cruickshank and her team for the tremendous coverage they gave the Festival.
We are also very pleased that Pat Reid, Provost of Falkirk Council, accepted our invitation to attend the Festival. He thoroughly enjoyed the music and has kindly offered to donate a trophy to the Festival on behalf of Falkirk Council. The Festival Committee would be very interested to hear any suggestions as to what the trophy may be used for.
In such a difficult economic climate, we had a very healthy uptake of trade stands and programme adverts and this helps to keep the cost of entry fees and admissions as low as we possibly can.
After a very enjoyable Prize Winners concert, the brilliant music of Graeme Mitchell and his Band brought the day to a great climax at the Grand Dance. Loved by dancers and musicians alike, they treated us to many of their classic sets, all played with great swing and lift, right through to 1am on the Sunday morning.
The Festival will return to Inshyra Grange on Saturday 2nd March 2013 and we hope to see a big turnout of competitors and enthusiasts to generate a great atmosphere and to ensure YOUR Festival continues to remain viable.
Of course, Festival don’t just happen and I’d like to convey my sincere thanks to all the competitors, teachers, helpers, traders, advertisers, member clubs and enthusiasts for their continued support. I’d particularly like to thanks Eleanor and John Bond of Ayr, and Billy Hutton of Campsie who, once again, gave a substantial financial donation to the Festival, not forgetting the Festival Committee for their enthusiasm, hard work and friendship throughout the year.
RESULTS
Junior Accordion
Under 10 Traditional Accordion Solo – Islesteps Shield
1) Cameron McLaren
2)
3)
Under 12 Traditional Accordion Solo – Pentland Cup
1) Ewan Dowie
2)
3)
12 and Under 16 Traditional Accordion Solo – Jim Johnstone Cup
1) Adam Gibb
2)
3)
12 and Under 16 Traditional Accordion Solo – James Paterson Memorial Trophy
Most Promising Player
Cameron Duncan
Junior Accordion Solo Pipe Music – Bill Black Cup
1) Adam Gibb
2)
3)
Junior Traditional Duet – Angus Howie Cups
1) Magnus & Anna Westwall
2)
3)
Overall Junior Accordion Champion – Alex Little Memorial Trophy
Adam Gibb
Senior Accordion
Senior Traditional Accordion Solo – Clinkscale Cup
1) Neil-Angus MacNeil
2)
3)
Senior Accordion Pipe Music Solo – Bill Powrie Memorial Cup
1) Neil-Angus MacNeil
2)
3)
Open Accordion Championship – Todhills Trophy
1) Emma Dickson
2)
3)
Senior Overall Accordion Champion - The Bobby MacLeod Trophy
Neil-Angus MacNeil
Open Buttonkey Accordion Solo – Windygates Trophy
1) Brandon McPhee
2)
3)
Trios – Jimmy Blue Trophy & Eric Goodfellow Memorial Shield
1) Maggie Adamson
Trio Runners-Up – Eric Goodfellow Memorial Shield
Craig Paton
Trios – Best Piano Player – David Flockhart Shield
Maggie Adamson
Bands – Overall Winner - Iain MacPhail Cup
Craig Paton
Runners Up John Fairbairn Memorial Trophy
Adam Gibb
Band – Rhythm Section - Arthur Easson Memorial Trophy
Craig Paton
Junior Band – Duncan Campbell of Oban Memorial Trophy
E Dowie & K Innes
Own Composition – Willie Wilson Cup
1) Marie Fielding
2)
3)
RSCDS Open Dance – RSCDS Trophy
1) Shona MacFadyen
2)
Under 12 Classical Solo – Kelso Cup
1) India Smith
2)
3)
Under 14 Classical Solo – Aberdeen Cup
1) No Entry
2)
3)
Under 16 Classical Solo – Dundee Shield
1) Emma Dickson
2)
3)
Under 14 Classical Polka Solo – Newtongrange Shield
1)
2)
3)
Open Classical Solo – Jimmy Clinkscale Shield
1) Emma Dickson
2)
3)
Under 13 Classical Duet – Beith & District A&F Club Cups (Willie Wilson Memorial Trophies)
1) Alan & Kyle Rowan
2)
Under 16 Classical Duet - Alex MacArthur Cups
1) Andrew & Samantha Erskine
2)
3)
Open Classical Duet – Dunfermline Cup
1) Adam Gibb & Emma Dickson
2)
3)
Classical Polka
Under 10 Classical Polka Solo – The Todhills Trophy
1)
2)
Under 14 Classical Polka Solo – Newtongrange Shield
1) Kyle Innes
2)
3)
Open Classical Polka Solo – Tign-Na-Gorm Cup
1) Paul Capaldi
2)
3)
Under 14 Classical Musette Accordion Solo – John Laidlaw Memorial Trophy
1) Kyle Innes
2)
3)
Open Classical Musette Accordion Solo – Christine Hunter Memorial Trophy
1) Paul Capaldi
2)
3)
Fiddle Sections
Under 12 Fiddle Solo – NAAFC Musselburgh Festival Trophy
1) Anna Westwall
2)
3)
Junior Fiddle Solo – MSR – Strathspey and Reel Association Cup & Kirsy’s Ceilidh Shield
1) George Davidson
2)
3)
Junior Fiddle Solo – Slow Air – Dougie Welsh Memorial Cup
1) George Davidson
2)
3)
Senior Fiddle Solo – Slow Strathspey, MSR – St. Boswell Cup
1) Maggie Adamson
2)
3)
Senior Fiddle Solo – Slow Air – Ron Gonella Cup
1) Maggie Adamson
2)
3)
Open Fiddle Championship – Banchory S&R Society Trophy
1) Maggie Adamson
2)
3)
Open Fiddle Solo Hornpipe and Jig – John Ellis Trophy
1) Maggie Adamson
2)
3)
Overall Fiddle Champion - The Angus Fitchet Trophy
Maggie Adamson
Overall Junior Fiddle Champion – Judith Linton Trophy
George Davidson
Open Fiddle Groups – Lesmahagow Quaich
1) No Strings Attached
2)
3)
Youngest Girl Competitor – John McQueen Medal
Rhiann Matthew
Youngest Boy Competitor – John McQueen Medal
Cameron McLaren