Clydebank Male Voice Choir
Clydebank Male Voice Choir
St Valentine’s Day Concert, 14th February 2010
The Clydebank Male Voice Choir participated in a concert at Glasgow City Halls in aid of the Mark Wright Project. Mark won a posthumous George Cross for unselfish bravery while on duty in Afghanistan. Mark was serving as a Corporal with the 3rd Battalion, the Parachute Regiment in the Helmand Province of Afghanistan and he entered a minefield in an attempt to save injured colleagues. Mark himself was injured and sadly lost his life. For his bravery he was award the George Cross, the highest gallantry award for civilians. The George Cross is also awarded to military personnel for those acts for which military honours would not normally be granted, such as acts of gallantry not in the presence of the enemy.
Bridgeton Burns Club Director Andy McArthur, the newest member of the Clydebank Male Voice Choir, participated in the St. Valentine’s Day Concert at the Glasgow City Halls. It was a gala occasion in aid of the Mark Wright Project, visit the website and find out more about the Project. The guest list included Past Presidents and Directors of the Bridgeton Burns Club, including Bob Burnett and his wife Paddy, Stewart Walker and Willie Marshall. Also in attendance representing The City of Glasgow were the Deputy Lord Provost of Glasgow Baillie John McLaughlin, escorted by Gary Campbell of Glasgow City Council. Mr Graeme Kidd The Lord Dean of Guild of Glasgow and Mr J Michael Lowe, Deacon Convenor of the Trades House of Glasgow. Guests included Mr Patrick Prenter CBE Lord Lieutenant of Midlothian and his wife Susan. Representing the Ex-Servicemen's’ Associations were, Major Jim Panton Chief Executive of Erskine Hospital, Mr Jack Watson Recreational Management Team Erskine Hospital, Group Captain Bob Kemp Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund, Brigadier John Drummond Late RHF Chairman of the British Limbless Ex-Service Men’s Association (BLESMA) Home in Crieff, Mr John Richardson RAMC Chairman of the Scottish Veterans Association, Rev’d Bill Mackie Secretary of the Scottish Veterans Association and Mrs Eileen Adams Resident Erskine Hospital, who served with the Royal Air Force as an administrator from 1940 till 1945.
Sally McNair introduced the event and the Royal Scottish Academy Brass Band tooted beautifully. The tune "Kate", played in old style 78 rpm wind up gramophone sound, was a treat.
Jamie McDougall sang "Love Went Riding" very smoothly indeed and Linda Finnie sang "Softly Awakes My Heart", which was done with piano accompaniment.
Glasgow University Chapel Choir ended their spot with "All You Need Is Love", encouraging the audience to participate. Clydebank Male Voice Choir sang "My Luve is like a Red Red Rose", "The Eriskay Love Lilt" and "Morte Criste". They also harmonised "You Raise Me Up" with Fiona MacDonald. The finale was "Soldier Lad" where the choir excelled with a rendition of the chorus from the song "Keep the Home Fires Burning".
On chatting with some of the audience following the concert all agreed it was an excellent concert in aid of a worthy cause. One very nice touch was the ladies from Erskine Hospital, who each had a Red Rose gifted to them from the Hospital.
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Bridgeton Burns Club Director Andy McArthur in the MVC Eileen Adams and Andy McArthur
Interesting Links
South Lanarkshire Council SLTV OnLine Player
The following Links lead to some very interesting video clips of South Lanarkshire School Pupils performing the works of Robert Burns. Please click on the link to view the video. Many, but not all, of the clips relate to Schools and Pupils who have taken part in our Schools Competition. Enjoy them.
http://www.southlanarkshire.tv/?ctid=e5a40153-310c-450c-a4a4-94ca16720dca&sc=0
Homecoming: Choir of St Anthony primary `The Deil’s Awa Wi’ Exciseman’ By Robert Burns
http://www.southlanarkshire.tv/?ctid=e7746825-f4fd-40be-a294-7c603c42c9d2&sc=1
Homecoming: Kerry Anne Conway: Trinity High `Now Nature hangs her mantle green’ By Robert Burns
http://www.southlanarkshire.tv/?ctid=fbe47878-4636-4338-b4e8-cd38cd1a0a55&sc=1
Homecoming: Larkhall Academy Flute Ensemble `Dark Island and Lewis Bridal Song’
http://www.southlanarkshire.tv/?ctid=644104a2-1cf0-468a-9bbb-79f1bb32cad4&sc=1
Homecoming: Lewis, Calderwood Primary ‘ My hearts in the Highlands’ by Robert Burns
http://www.southlanarkshire.tv/?ctid=c5ac4805-68dd-470d-a7b2-f03ce4466695&sc=0
Homecoming: Oimar, Calderwood Primary ‘ Healin Laddie’ by Robert Burns
http://www.southlanarkshire.tv/?ctid=073a00a8-d803-4e83-b8c0-de2d5a518615&sc=1
Homecoming: Robyn, Calderwood Primary ‘The Ploughman’ by Robert Burns
http://www.southlanarkshire.tv/?ctid=6585987b-fee9-4cf3-aaf0-090455b2b6c5&sc=1
Homecoming: Choral Group, St Columbkilles ‘Tam O’Shanter’ by Robert Burns
http://www.southlanarkshire.tv/?ctid=24cfe348-47cf-4899-83a4-980bed5f153c&sc=1
Homecoming: Senior Ensemble, Stonelaw High ‘John Anderson My Jo’ by Robert Burns
http://www.southlanarkshire.tv/?ctid=8473fe04-fec7-42ff-bb02-500d07b3b76d&sc=1
Homecoming: Singers and Players, Calderwood Primary ‘Comin thro the Rye’ by Robert Burns
http://www.southlanarkshire.tv/?ctid=cab76e32-f9e6-4f69-b29b-f09f242b476e&sc=1
Homecoming: Lanark Primary, Senior Choir ‘My Love is like a red red rose’ By Robert Burns
Forthcoming Events 2010
The Annual General Meeting
The Annual General Meeting of the Club will be held in the Marriott Hotel in April. Please watch the site for further details.
Recent Events 2009 - 2010
The Adjudicators' Dinner Friday 19th February 2010 - Haggs Castle Golf Club
Bridgeton Burns Club Adjudicators Dinner 2010
The Bridgeton Burns Club Adjudicators Dinner was held in the prestigious Haggs Castle Golf Club on Friday 19th February 2010.
After a brief introduction from the President Jack Steele, who warmly welcomed the diners and especially the guests, the Competition Adjudicators the haggis was piped in. The first item of our evening’s programme was addressing the Haggis which Jack did with such emotion and feeling that the Chef took two paces back to avoid the swirling blade.
An excellent meal prepared and served by the Golf Club staff pleased everyone. This was followed by the Loyal Toast.
Opening the entertainment proceedings was our own Soutar Ian Macpherson resplendent in a bright red jacket, possibly an ex-Butlin’s item.
The company sang Rantin, Rovin Robin to begin the entertainment section. Introducing Director Andy McArthur, Ian Macpherson set about telling the audience how he had seen the film Gungha Din in the year 1940 and how it left an impression on him for life. Thereafter, in walks Andy dressed in the uniform of the British Army circa 1903. A quick tale of how the film Zulu was totally inaccurate and then he recited Kipling’s Gungha Din.
Guest artist Jane Jackson then sang a harmony of her own followed by Caledonia. Her voice was sweet and the guitar playing mesmerised the audience.
A theatrical performance titled the Giggles saw Danielle McIlroy with Jodie McGregor re-enacting part of the late Eva Cassidy’s life to the song Fields of Barley.
It was then time for Past President Bob Burnett to speak on the Fund for the Arts. A few jokes lightened the mood then Bob described the availability of funds for budding musicians, singers, writers, artists and actors. Bob explained the support offered to students of the arts and encouraged the audience to advise any young student to apply for a grant. He rounded off by presenting a cheque to Jane, Danielle and Jodie.
Ian introduced an unusual act next. For those fans on Monty Pythons Flying Circus the treat was a re-enactment of The Argument starring Paddy Burnett, Louise Lightbody and Maureen Brown. This was as close to the real thing and was well received by those who remembered the original sketch and those hearing it for the first time.
Jane Jackson plucked her guitar to the tune of My Luve is like A Red Red Rose and sang the words with sincerity.
Director Andrew Samuel was nominated to Toast the Lassies and that he did. Complimenting the ladies and at the same time bringing humour relating how he was absent one Valentine’s Day but did text Samantha, his loving wife, from Tel Aviv while attending an international football match. It took a few dinners to get over that one.
Following the raising of the glasses to the Lassies the boys sang in harmony the song If You Were the Only Girl in the World.
The new kid on the block Director Peter Hughes was on hand to sing that world famous Adam McNaughtan Jeely Piece Song. For the hard of Glaswegian a Jeely Piece is a local delicacy consisting of two bits of bread with a butter and jam filling. Without prompting the audience joined in the chorus, well done Peter.
Not on the menu but warmly received was Ishbell Cameron dressed as Edith Piaf singing Je Ne Regrete Rien.
Retired Commodore Director Eric Thompson got dressed up for his version of Tam O’ Shanter titled Ally O’ Shanter. The story line was very, yes very similar and the parody of Ally being chased and being caught by the Glasgow Polis was greeted with laughter and warm applause.
In response to the Toast to the Lassies up stepped the President’s Wife Mrs Anne Steele. Between compliments and some rather blunt humour, Anne weaved a path that lead to everyone agreeing that without the Ladies the boys lives would not be so bright.
To close the entertainment Danielle McIlroy with Jodie McGregor performed a comedy monologue each. The audience showed their appreciation for the display of acting ability the girls showed.
The boys and girls then sung My Love, She’s / He’s but a Lassie / Laddie Yet accompanied by Jack Hendry on the piano.
Club Vice-President Ronnie Williamson had the pleasure of delivering the Vote of Thanks. From bottom to top he praised the catering and bar staff, Past President Ian Macpherson as Soutar, President Jack for the chairmanship, Past President Bob Burnett with the Fund for the Arts appeal, Paddy Burnett with Louise Lightbody and Maureen Brown for some Python Comedy, Director Andrew Samuel for Toasting the Lassies, Director Andy McArthur for being the water boy Gungha Din, newest Director Peter Hughes with his rendition of the Jelly Piece song, President’s wife Anne Steele for replying beautifully on behalf of the lassies. Special thanks went to performers Jane Jackson, Danielle McIlroy and Jodie McGregor for bringing new, young and promising talent. Ronnie’s last thanks went to the Adjudicators whom without their judging skills the Club Competition would not be the success it is.
Finally Auld Lang Syne the song that unites the world.
A couple of refreshments later the carriages arrived and the diners weaved a path home.
Director Andy McArthur President Jack Steele addresses The Haggis
Soutar Ian Macpherson Andy recites "Gunga Din
Macpherson and Burnett "Chatting up" the students Past President Bob Burnett on "The Fund for The Arts"
Paddy, Louise and Maureen in "The Argument" Eric as "Ally Shanter"
Director Andrew Samuel "Toasts the Lassies" Anne Steele replys on behalf of "The Lassies"
Danielle McIlroy, Jane Jackson and Jodie McGregor Jack Henry our Pianist for the evening
Ishbell Cameron as Edith Piaf Peter Hughes with the "Jeely Piece" song.
Vice President Ronnie Williamson proposes a Vote of Thanks Auld Lang Syne closes the evening.
Schools' Concert and Prize Giving 5th February 2010
Woodside Halls
The annual Schools' Concert and Prize Giving took place on Friday 6th February 2009 at the Woodside Halls, St George's Cross, in Glasgow. The Concert was well attended by Prize Winners, Parents, Teachers, Adjudicators and Past Presidents and Directors of the Club together with Councillor Jonathan Findlay, Executive Member for Education on Glasgow City Council, and Councillor Mary Smith, his counterpart on South Lanarkshire Council. The event was hosted by The President John R Steele ably assisted by his wife Anne. All the children who attended were given crisps, sweets and a drink and our thanks go to PP Willie Telfer for his assistance with this. The event was a great success and all of the children who took part are to be complimented on the very high standards achieved, which seems to improve year upon year. Below is a selection of photographs of some of the participants.
The 140th Anniversary Dinner 2010 - Monday 25th January 2010
Once again, The Bridgeton Burns Club staged the "Best Burns Supper in the World" by holding its 140th Anniversary Dinner on Monday 25th January in the Marriot Hotel in Glasgow. The Dinner was attended by 699 Gentlemen and 1 Lady (Mrs Jane Jack, President of the Glasgow and District Burns Association who was attending for the second time) and all were once again royally entertained by a selection of first class after-dinner speakers, pipers, community singing, pupils from some of the competition winning schools (who were all superb), recitals and an excellent appeal for club funds.
The evening was expertly chaired by our President Jack Steele who successfully controlled a very full, at at times noisy, house, with some more full than others, and it is a great tribute to our club that all 700 attending upheld the great tradition of the Bridgeton Burns Club by affording all our speakers and entertainers their full attention. Very well done Jack for chairing the Best Burns Supper in the World and for your excellent Address to the Haggis. As this was our 25th dinner in succession to be held in the Marriott Hotel, our President chose to mark the occasion by presenting a signed and framed certificate to the Hotel Manager.
Director Eric Thompson, our new Schools Competition Convener, introduced the Schools Competition Winners who performed for us. Congratulations are due to Eric for his meticulous work in organising a very well run competition and again for excellent entertainment at the dinner.
The Schools Competition is what the club is all about and we were soon entertained by a selection of the Competition winners. It was generally agreed that the standard this year was the highest ever. It is obvious that the children who take part in the competition do so because they enjoy it and their enthusiasm spills over in their performances. The standard just gets better year on year. The performances finished with Emma Reilly, aged 5, from Calderwood Primary School, standing on a chair on the stage and reciting a Burns Poem in front of an audience of 700. Well done Emma and all of the children who performed for us.
Past President Ian Macpherson made the appeal for donations for club funds and the use of Gift Aid forms again this year will enable the Club to recover a 28% donation from HM Revenue and Customs. Ian's very funny and original appeal culminated in raising a staggering £18,000.00 towards club funds and that will go a long way to assisting the work of the club and funding the Schools Prize Giving and Concert in February and next December's Schools' Competition. The President announced that it was Ian's 75th Birthday and Past President Eddie Meek's 60th. Well done the auld yins.
Spencer Veitch and the Stamperland Pipe Band entertained us during the interval and this added to a wonderful evening.
Our principal speaker was Alex Neil MSP, from Patna in Ayrshire, the Housing and Communities Minister in the Scottish Government, who was recently voted Orator of the Year in the Scottish Parliament. Alex followed a long line of distinguished speakers who have proposed the Immortal Memory and we soon understood why he had won the Orator of the Year title. Alex provided a very interesting and informative Immortal Memory, with only a small amount of political comment thrown in. A true tribute to the Bard and to Scotland. Alex was very well received by all in attendance and their appreciation of his efforts was made clear by the standing ovation. Alex was then presented with a bronze bust of the Bard and thanked in rhyme, by newest Director Dr Peter Hughes. Alex is the third MSP to speak at our dinner in recent years and we are indeed fortunate to have elected members of the highest calibre willing to give their time for the Bridgeton Burns Club.
Past President George Moore proposed a very humorous (with lots of new material) Toast to the Guests which included him having a small drink of Buckfast "by the neck" as part of his Toast. He obviously enjoyed it as he was seen having another swig later!!!!
George's toast was replied to by Graeme Kidd, the Lord Dean of Guild and the Second Citizen of Glasgow who apologised for being born in Edinburgh, being a retired Stockbroker, being the son of a Banker and for having attended The High School of Glasgow from the age of 9. He was soon forgiven by the audience who obviously took pity on him for his deprived childhood and he was doing well until he told a joke about Glasgow Rangers!!!!! Seriously Graeme, well done and we trust that you enjoyed your first, but hopefully not your last, Bridgeton Burns Club Anniversary Dinner.
Well Done all!
A great many thanks are due to all of the Past Presidents and Directors for their work in making this dinner The Best Burns Supper in the World. Particular thanks go to Alasdair Ronald and his sub-committee for organizing the event and to Ronnie Williamson for leading off the signing, (the largest all male choir in the UK 699 of Glasgow's finest singers), to Director Eric Thompson for introducing the Schools Competition winners who performed on the night, and for his sterling work in organizing the Schools Competition this year, our Pianist Matthew Hynes, Pipe Major Spencer Veitch and the Stamperland Pipe Band and The Marriot Hotel and all of their Staff for keeping us all fed and "Watered". Thanks once again to Auchantoshan Distilleries who provided a bottle of their superb Malt Whisky for each table.
President Jack Steele proposed a vote of thanks to all involved, and everyone appreciated his excellent chairmanship of the evening. Vice President Ronnie Williamson toasted "Our Chairman" and thanked him on behalf of us all.
Thanks are also due to all who attended for supporting the club and the appeal and finally to Maureen Brown who works tirelessly behind the scenes doing all of the necessary administrative work of the club.
The evening closed in the traditional manner with everyone singing The Worlds National Anthem, "Auld Lang Syne."
The President John R. Steele and his Top Table Guests
The Stamperland Pipe Band The Largest All Male Choir in Glasgow
The President's welcoming address Leona Logan - St. Mungo's Academy - Verse Winner
St Columkille's Primary - Choral Speaking Winners St Columkille's Primary - Enjoying their performance
Wellshot Primary School - Winning Choir Alex Neil MSP proposes the Immortal Memory
Ronnie Wiliamson Graeme Kidd John R. Steele Alex Neil MSP George Moore
Wreath Laying 23rd January 2010
The Bridgeton Burns Club was proud to be represented at the Annual Wreath Laying Service on George Square Glasgow on Saturday the 23rd of January 2010. In the foyer of Glasgow City Chambers the audience assembled. The opening address by Jean Jack President of the Glasgow and District Burns Association made everyone welcome.
The choir of Wellshott Primary School Choir sang for the audience prior to the procession leaving the City Chambers. The choir appeared at ASDA Store in the Parkhead Shopping Centre the day before. The singing brought the store to a stand still as members of the public were entertained by the choir. Leading the procession was Piper Dougie Melvin of Williamwood Pipe Band.
At the statue of Robert Burns, warm words of welcome were spoken by World Burns Federation President Wing Commander Mike Duguid. Following a lament from the Piper the Wreath Laying party stepped forward and ceremoniously laid the wreaths on the Statue of Robert Burns. The party consisted of World Burns Federation President Wing Commander Mike Duguid, Glasgow City Councillor Baillie Alan Stewart Deputy Lord Provost, Bridgeton Burns Club President John R. Steele, Glasgow and District Burns Association President Jean Jack, Sandyford Burns Club President Bob Lawson (George Anderson laid the wreath on his behalf), Royalty Burns Club President Robert McSween, Rutherglen Burns Club President Donald Ross and Haggis Club President Kenny Dalgleish.
The Choir of Wellshot Primary again sang for assembled audience to warm applause. From George Square the procession led by Piper Dougie proceeded to the Glasgow City Council Parish Halls in George Street for light refreshments. Jean Jack welcomed all and handed over to Master of Ceremonies Bob McDonald. Bob highlighted the entertainment. More songs from Wellshot Primary School Choir, a recitation by Leona Logan of St Mungo’s Acadamy and Fraser Kent of James Aiton Primary School. The songs sung beautifully were Duncan Grey and Ye Banks and Braes of Bonny Doon. Leona’s rendition of a Parcel of Rogues in a Nation was exquisite with clear and precise diction alongside demonstrative gestures. The warming smile from Leona during the applause proved how she enjoyed entertaining the audience. Fraser Kean recited To a Mouse. A wee boy who made his parents proud and he also received warm applause.
Closing the ceremony Bob McDonald proposed a vote of thanks. He warmly thanked Baillie Alan Dewar from Glasgow City Council, World President Mike Duguid, Wellshot Primary School Choir, Leona Logan of St Mungo’s Secondary School, Fraser Kean of James Aiton Primary School, Maureen Brown of the Bridgeton Burns Club, Glasgow City Council Caterers and Janitorial Staff, Burns Club Presidents and Members, Aileen Nisbet and Sandra Lees the musicians.
The only way to finish Bob said was to sing Auld Lang Syne and we did.
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Bridgeton Burns Club President John R. Steele, centre. Choir from Wellshot Primary School in Merchants' House
Royal Scots Club Burns Supper 22nd January 2010
Bridgeton Burns Club Director Andy McArthur attended the Royal Scots Club Burns Supper in January 2010. The Immortal Memory was beautifully delivered by World Burns Federation Past President Mr D Wilson Ogilvie. Pictured having a hearty hand shake Mr Wilson sends his greetings to the Bridgeton Burns Club President John R Steele and all the Members. Andy returned the compliment by wishing good health and happiness to Wilson.
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Friday 4th December 2009 Schools Competition
The Schools Competition was held in St Mungo's Academy on the evening of 4th December 2009 and well over 700 children, with their Teachers turned up on a very cold night to perform their Burns pieces in front of our Adjudicators. The winners and runners up will be invited to perform in the Woodside Halls in front of their family, friends and teachers, on the evening of 5th February 2010. The Competition and Concert are the culmination of the work of the club over the year and fulfils one of the aims of the club, "To further the knowledge and understanding of Robert Burns in the Schools of the East End of Glasgow". It is most gratifying to see the very high standards achieved by these young people in both the Competition and the Concert. The Competition results will be published shortly on this Web Site. Our thanks go to The Staff and Pupils of St Mungo's Academy for the use of their School and for the assistance in acting as "runners" for the Directors and Adjudicators. Our thanks are also due to the dedicated group of volunteer Adjudicators who listen to the Children and select the winners and runners up in each category. Finally our thanks go to all of our Past Presidents and Directors who turned out on the evening to help control the flow of children to each Adjudicator and to ensure that all went smoothly. Special thanks are due to Director Eric Thomson and his Schools Competition Committee for organising the whole competition and to Maureen Brown in the Club Office.
Director Andy McArthur checks out the Buses for the Competition
2009 Schools Competition Report
The 2009 Schools Competition was held on 4th December in St Mungo’s Academy where the Club again enjoyed superb support from Headteacher John Reilly, Marie Birchard and 29 senior pupils who were employed in tasks as varied as VIP guiding, competitor collection, and finding the missing bits of the Convenor’s car immobiliser which had fallen apart in the playground. Altogether, 1240 pupils from 34 schools participated (including the Art and Newsdesk sections) and when they poured into the reception desks from their buses, the level of enthusiasm in the school hall was tangible. An estimated 80 anxious-looking teachers were also involved.
The Club’s policy of funding music teacher support for primary schools has delivered rich dividends with no less than fourteen primary school choirs entering this year compared with only one from a secondary school. In similar proportions, P6/7 Verse Speaking proved so popular that numbers per school had to be restricted and four parallel lines of adjudication had to be set-up with play-offs. This year, the Club was pleased to welcome three new primary schools and three schools returning after long absences: it was also pleasing to see that two of these schools broke into the prize lists. But whilst the primary schools’ entry was gratifyingly strong, the correspondingly poor response from secondary schools was disappointing and seems to point to some systematic turn-off at this level of education. In recognition of this, the Club was pleased to welcome senior officials from both Glasgow and South Lanarkshire Education Departments to observe the Competition as a result of which participation in future Competitions will be seen as reinforcing rather than distracting from the Scottish Government’s new Curriculum for Excellence. Another dividend reaped this year was piano accompaniment by Kevan O’Reilly, a former Competition winner from St Andrew’s Secondary and beneficiary of the Club’s Fund for the Arts who graduated from the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama last summer. This year, the Glasgow Evening Times sent along a staff photographer and gave extensive coverage to the Competition.
The Concert and Prizegiving will take place in the Woodside Hall on 5th February when 17 trophies will be presented along with 10 silver medals for exceptional performances and £2710 of gift vouchers and cheques. The Club is delighted that Councillor Jonathan Findlay, Executive Member for Education on Glasgow City Council, and Councillor Mary Smith, his counterpart on South Lanarkshire Council, have accepted invitations to attend the Concert.
Once again, the Club is indebted to the 23 independent volunteer adjudicators without whom the competition would not have been possible.
Eric Thompson MBE
Convenor Schools Competition
Schools Competition Winners 2009
Please click on the Schools Competition Results at the foot of this page.
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