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Lottery Funding
We are delighted to announce that after much hard work in gathering
information and completing application forms, the Gaitherin has been awarded
a substantial cash boost from the Lottery Fund. An £18,000 grant
has been approved by the New Directions fund which is run by the Scottish
Arts Council. The cash will be used to employ a part-time development worker
and fund weekend workshops.
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What is the Gaitherin?
The Gordon Gaitherin is a voluntary organisation, whose aim is to foster
and promote interest and participation by young people and adults, in the
musical and cultural heritage of the North-East of Scotland, by means of
regular music, song and drama festivals and workshops. The uniqueness of
the Gordon Gaitherin is its commitment to those taking the music and culture
of the North-East of Scotland into the 21st century, by giving those involved
the opportunity to learn and experiment with traditional instruments, music
and drama, as well as providing a fun experience for all. Since beginning
with one festival in 1993 which was attended by 70 children, the Gordon
Gaitherin now provides two week-long festivals each year, one in the spring,
and the other in the autumn, for over 150 young people from the age of
8 through to 16. Each festival or Gaitherin gives young people an important
opportunity to actively learn more about the culture and heritage of the
North-East of Scotland, with the emphasis being to present it in today's
language.
Easter Gaitherin 1997
Fifty children, aged 8-12 years, attended this event held at Kemnay
Academy, Aberdeenshire. There was no residential aspect to this Gaitherin
as the Sir Arthur Grant's Centre was already booked by another group. This
meant organising transport for the great majority of participants who came
from the furthest extremes of Central Aberdeenshire, Marr and Formartine.
They arrived at 9.30 am and were provided with a substantial lunch (always
with chips!) before departing again at 4.30 pm.
The
youngsters chose from the usual collection of workshops: chanter with Ali
Bremner, Pipe band drumming with Brendan Hadden, Tin Whistle with Alex
Green, Guitar with Jim Hunter, Drama with John Sangster, Fiddle with Louise
Mackenzie and Trish Gill, Keyboards with Mairi Tait and Bruce Donaldson
and Voice with Iain Macdonald.
Leisure activities included: Tie Dye T-shirts, Stencilling (using local Pictish symbols) led by Sara Macdonald and Jacqui Smith, Games Hall activities led by Alex Roberston, Jamie Hughes, Kate Macdonald and Erin Macdonald, Nature Games led by Deirdre Macdonald, Old Street Games led by the Over 50's Group and Aroma-therapy massage by Alison Massie. Extra tuition for Dance routines came from Willie Thorburn, currently studying Dance in London. Due to the decrease in numbers it was not possible to employ as many paid leaders as has been possible in the past. However, it meant that most of the staff have been participants, a development actively encouraged.
The
final day is usually the one most problematic due to pre-ceilidh nerves
and excitement. This was when Alison's Aromatherapy took place and tutors
and participants alike were soothed through the afternoon.It was decided
not to hold a Tutors' Ceilidh at the start of the week, but they played
on the first morning while the youngsters and their families registered
for the week.Memorable sound bites from the Participants' Ceilidh include
Drumming Fanfare, Nicky Tams - hip hop style! The story of a fish from
birth in the ocean to death by consumption in the chipper was acted out
by the Drama Group. Many traditional tunes were to be heard on various
other instruments being played in a variety of combinations.
One seasoned parent was heard to say that the presentation at the ceilidh grew more slick each year. There is evidence that, as the Gaitherin matures, the tutors, along with other members of staff, develop their ideas in keeping with the basic philosophy of ‘taking the culture of the North-East of Scotland, and giving it a modern interpretation.’
‘Participants’ Meeting
One
of the features of the October Gaitherin is to encourage the youngsters
to participate in the organisation and planning of the Gaitherins. This
year the meeting was ably chaired by Gordon Sim (Inverurie) and minutes
were taken by Ashley Boyd (Westhill). A wide variety of topics were discussed
and among them was the apparently poor publicity about the Gaitherin around
the schools. It was felt important to spread the message that the Gaitherin
was fun and included activities other than the music and drama. The events
were not just for those who could already play instruments but also for
beginners.
Development
Worker
Following the award of the Lottery grant, it is planned to employ a
Development Worker on a half-time basis. The purpose
will be to attract additional funding, consolidate the existing festival
programme for young people and develop a series of short workshops for
adults and young people. It is also intended that links are developed with
other similar organisations in the UK, and the feasibility of a European
exchange programme be investigated.
Annual
General Meeting
This year's AGM will take place on 12 November at Insch Community Centre.
There will be the usual reports and presentation of accounts. It is also
proposed to amend the constitution in line with the recommendations of
the Inland Revenue. This will allow the Gaitherin to hold formal charitable
status.
Management Committee
The Gaitherin continues to be supported by Community Education workers
and parents who make up the Management Committee. A big thank you to Alison
and Norman Massie, in whose home we often meet, and to John, Deirdre, Wilma,
Marilyn, Bruce and George.
Sponsors
Once again we are grateful for the sponsorship we received in 1997.
Our sponsors included: The Scottish Arts Council, Leonard’s Music, William
Strachan, AMEC, Mitchell's of Inverurie, Wm. Mathers and various Management
Committees.
The
Never Ending Coffee Party
This is a novel, and fun, way of raising funds for the Gaitherin. The
first host or hostess invites 7 guests for a party (you are asked to keep
it simple) and charge £1 per person. Then each of these guests invites
6 guests under the same conditions. Each of these invite 5 guests. This
continues until 5,040 people each have one guest for coffee! This is a
simple way of raising funds to help the Gaitherin while meeting friends
and exchanging news. Thanks to Minto's for printing the leaflets)
Contacts
Wilma Smith (Community Education at Kemnay) or Deirdre Macdonald (Community
Education at Insch) or please contact us by e-mail at gaitherin@tillybin.wintermute.co.uk
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