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| ONCE AGAIN the classrooms of Kemnay Academy
have echoed with the sounds of music, drama and fun. Young people, beginners and experts
alike, have discovered the pleasure of exploring traditions old and new. The usual wide
range of instruments was catered for, not forgetting voice and drama. A busy teaching
programme was supplemented by various leisure activities, all provided by fully qualified
tutors and youth workers. |
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| Many of the participants were residential at the
Sir Arthur Grant Centre at Monymusk. At this well equipped centre, participants were
provided with an evening meal and additional activities. The ever popular Tutors’ ceilidh on the Tuesday night at the Bowling Club in Kemnay introduced the various tutors and their styles of music. The ‘Skye Banned’, formed by a number of regular Gaitherin participants, also treated us to their own particular brand of music! There are two main Gaitherins each year. Each 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 a modern idiom. |
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| Stop Press - The Adult
Gaitherin is planned for 26-28 November in Huntly. This is proving popular – book your place now. More details below. |
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| Events since last October The Gaitherin is now much more than two festivals per year and the following events have taken place since the last October Gaitherin.
Last November, the Stewart’s Hall in Huntly was packed out for Martyn Bennett and Cuillin Music. The Skye Banned provided support and the evening was a great success.
Another first, this proved a popular evening for friends of the Gaitherin and their families. Informal musical entertainment was provided by the young and the young at heart!
A mini-Gaitherin was run in February for some of the older participants. This was a
residential weekend at Sir Arthur Grants. Jim Hunter and Ian Macdonald were the tutors and
the emphasis was on developing improvisation skills. |
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This Easter saw the biggest ever Gaitherin, with over 100 primary school age children packed into Kemnay Academy for a week of music, dance, drama and fun. Traditional instruments such as the clarsach and the tin whistle melded with modern techno rhythms and the beat of African drums.
A second, very successful, percussion weekend was held at Sir Arthur Grant’s on 27-29 August. Steve and Gavin ably guided the youngsters through a busy, and noisy(!) weekend.
An idea from David Smith came to fruition on 12 September when a number of
participants, helpers and qualified instructors canoed the Deveron from Turriff to Banff.
The intensive training in Alford swimming pool paid off and great day was had by all!
Thanks to everyone who supported the day. |
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The very popular Shindig kindly agreed to play for a Gaitherin fund raising event in
March. A ‘caller’ encouraged all ages to get up on the floor and dance! Once
more, the Skye Banned provided support. A glittering array of local models trod the catwalk on 29 September to promote the Garioch Charity Shop. But it was the "Skye Banned" who provided the evening’s musical entertainment! Future Plans An adult Gaitherin is currently being planned for the last weekend in November. So far the Gaitherin has concentrated in work amongst young people but it is worth pointing out that the Feis Rois in Gairloch now attracts over 100 adults every year. We are planning the choice of a variety of instruments, step dancing and art. Book now to avoid disappointment – contact Wilma on 01467 643535 at Kemnay Academy and Community Centre. Gordon 2000 The Gordon Clan is planning a major gathering in August 2000 and is expecting visitors
from around the globe. They have asked the Gaitherin to become involved and are providing
funding to support us in creating new music, performing at the event and providing musical
workshops. |
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| The "Skye Banned" Nobody associated with the Gaitherin can be unaware of the "Skye Banned". Formed by some of the older participants, the members of the band meet regularly and plan and develop their own programme. They have even applied for, and received, funding by their own efforts. Having said that, they are fully supported by the Gaitherin Committee who provide advice and help where required. While we have been sorry to lose some of our older members, this has encouraged some of the younger members to take a more active role. The band has played several venues throughout the year and this is an exciting development in the life of the Gaitherin. Already interest is being shown in setting up another band and this is another
encouraging development. |
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| Gaitherin Web Site Our web site continues to attract regular visits from around the globe. If you are reading this on the web then why not give us a bit of encouragement by sending us an e-mail to gaitherin@tillybin.ifb.co.uk. Management Committee The Gaitherin is run by a small committee of Community Education workers and interested parents. We are always looking for anyone who would like to help – if you are interested please get in touch. Funding The quest for more funding continues. Participants fees only partly cover the cost of
the Gaitherins and we are grateful to all who support and sponsor the work. However we are
keen to grow and develop the scope of the Gaitherin and the results of bids to various
trusts are imminently expected. We hope, once again, to be able to support a development
worker and the dream is to have our own residential centre. It is possible! |
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| Contacts: If you require further information on any aspect of the Gordon Gaitherin, please contact Community Education Workers Wilma Smith on 01467 643535 or Deirdre Macdonald on 01466 792502. Support your local Charity Shop The Garioch Charities Shop is on High Street in Inverurie. It is open every day except Sunday from 10 until 4. This shop exists to support four charities: Homestart, Friends of Inverurie Hospital, the Friday Club and, of course, our own Gordon Gaitherin. Please do support the shop, to provide items for sale, to go along and shop, or if you can consider helping – even just for a short time – it can be good fun! Unofficial taxis! Many parents often feel they spend their lives ferrying their children around! A big thank you to all who have provided transport – the young people do appreciate it! |
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