2008

At long last I've finally put pen to paper for the Stanley Ceilidh Report from that tail end of last year. It doesn't seem like eight months since we closed the doors on another successful weekend of traditional Scottish music at the Tayside Hotel.

Musicians, dancers, enthusiasts and Bon Viveurs made the annual pilgrimage to the sleepy Perthshire village on the Tay in anticipation of the weekend's entertainment. They were not to be disappointed in terms of the quality of music they heard.

Hamish MacDougall SDB

Over the weekend of 7 th -9 th November 2008 over 60 musicians performed on stage to entertain the assembled audience. Visitors travelled from as far apart as England, Ireland and the Shetland Isles. I'd like to make special mention of the Shetlanders who are now “in with the bricks” at the Ceilidh. Every year a contingent of around 25 make the not insignificant journey South to take in the weekend. Your contribution is very much appreciated, the Ceilidh now just wouldn't be the same without you.

This year's Saturday evening dance was in the able hands of Ian Hutson and his Scottish Dance Band, very much in their own patch and delighting the appreciative and knowledgeable Scottish dance music aficionados in attendence. Six of the country's finest musicians playing at the top of their game in their instantly recognisable relaxed but driving sound. A great band, great tempos and in great form.

Ian has been a regular attender at the Ceilidh for many years and was well overdue his crack at the dance.

Ian Hutson SDB

An alphabetical list of musicians who performed reads as follows:

Highlights of the weekend included an impromptu fiddle duet from Marie Fielding and Linda Irvine on the Saturday afternoon, some magnificent playing from the entire Tom Orr SDB. We really were blessed with some of the finest talent the music scene had to offer.

Marie Fielding & Linda Irvine entertain Fraser MacInnes

For the second year running, Marina Bruce travelled down from Lerwick and did an outstanding job of selling raffle tickets during the weekend. Marina sold almost £900 of tickets single handed. A remarkable feat, and one which we are very much indebted for. Thanks Marina.

Another regular visitor to the Ceilidh, Edmund MacKenzie from Plockton contributed £320 to our collection. This amount was the proceeds of a collection tin in his busy Craft Shop over the past year. Edmund has done so much to promote and support the ceilidh over the years. In addition to his many donations to the event, Edmund sold significant quantities of our first release on CD “The Stanley Ceilidh – Volume 1” through his shop and connections in the West Highlands and Islands. A lovely gentleman, with a heart of gold.

Again as in previous years large raffles were held on both evenings and all prizes and offerings are very much appreciated. None more so than the two hampers abound with goodies of food and drink which were donated by Jim & Sheena Cathcart, Robert & Jenny Campbell and Dave & Lil Millward. These featured as star prizes in each of the Friday and Saturday night raffles and were well worth winning.

Scott Gordon and Graham Berry again contributed in no small way by helping to supply the PA equipment and also thanks are due to Graham for his expertise with his knobs.

Pudsey

Once all expenses had been covered the total profit made over the weekend amounted to £2,300. All monies raised at this year's event as in previous years are destined for the Childrens Hospice Association Scotland [CHAS].

Jo and Neil Hardy bought the Tayside Hotel around two years ago and this was their second year as our hosts. Again, the service and assistance we received was excellent. They were always on hand to offer advice and went beyond the call to ensure we had a successful weekend in their hotel. Also thanks are due to all the hotel staff who helped during the weekend.

Ticket sales for the Saturday dance have worked very well over the past five years. Our previous adopted method was to sell dance tickets from 1pm on the Saturday afternoon. The reason for this being twofold:

1. to control dance entry numbers to a manageable level and

2 to encourage listeners to attend the Saturday afternoon free session

Regardless of this, we are still aware of unhelpful criticism levied last year when tickets sold out. I personally am bewildered by this given the number of times I announced where and when tickets would go on sale for the dance.

2009 Stanley Ceilidh

This year's event is causing some headaches already given the introduction of the new Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005 which ironically comes into effect from 1 st September 2009.

We are now, apparently, required by law to employ qualified door stewards to control numbers in line with the premises limits. We believe the limit on the Friday night is sufficient given the concert style seating layout of the function suite, however we are strictly limited to 125 patrons for the Saturday night dance.

We have taken the decision to sell tickets for the Saturday night dance in advance of the Ceilidh. Tickets are priced at [SOLD OUT] £10 each which includes stovies during the interval. To purchase tickets please call Shirley Cathcart on 01555 771021. These will be available on a first come first served basis.

Please note, that entry on the Friday night is free of charge and tickets will not be required.

Stanley Ceilidh – Volume 2 CD

Work is nearing completion on the much awaited Volume 2 CD. Our aim is to release the CD at this year's Ceilidh, with 14 fantastic tracks recorded live over the last couple of years.

The dates for the 2009 Stanley Ceilidh are 6 th – 8 th November 2009, I'd like to reiterate that all who attend will be made most welcome, the Ceilidh is a charity fundraising event with the emphasis on fun and music.

Any enquiries should be directed to Shirley or myself on 01555 771021.

Iain Cathcart, July 2009