History

In the spring of 1972, after consultation with fellow members of Comunn an Taobh-an-lar (Society of the West End), Hamish Johnston formed a group of players to compete at the National Mod in October of that year. The maximum permitted for each group was seven players. Hamish was a piano accordianist, the four fiddlers were Iain douglas, Donald Johnston, Vic Ross and John MacMillan, Richard White (a young engineering student) played the double bass and Myra MacMillan played the piano. The fifth fiddler Alan McIntyre was held in reserve. Four groups from around the country competed and Bearsden came at the wrong end of the prize list! (Several years later, a group from Bearsden Fiddlers, with different personnel, won that same competition). The fiddlers Rally in the evening was televised and the conductor was Jimmy Moir of the Glasgow Caledonian Strathspey and Reel Society. The rehearsals, preparing for Inverness, were usually held in Hamish's home at 19 Bailie Drive, Bearsden and his wife Mary was always a welcoming and generous hostess. She later joined the group as a player,

Gradually more players joined Bearsden Fiddlers and in those early days, Hamish had visions of holding a Rally hosted by the Bearsden group. With that in view, he consulted the Mother Superior of Notre Dame College, Bearsden, which had an excellent hall, catering and changing facilities. Bearsden Fiddlers were able to use Notre Dame College, later St Andrews College, for their Annual Rallies. The large stage provided space for 90 or 100 players and large audiences attended. Hamish had an unusual method of recruiting players. The story goes that he sat in Hugh Martin's home until midnight until Hugh agreed to join the group. Hamish was the first conductor and also used to write out music. He was assisted in conducting in the early stages by John Mason, conductor of Ayr & Prestwick Strathspey & Reel Society and later of the Scottish Fiddle Orchestra.

For many years, the two singers with the group were Hugh Martin (tenor) and Margaret MacPherson (soprano). They made a valuable contribution to our concerts, which gradually increased around Glasgow. Jim Little was the regular pianist. He was very capable and was devoted to his task. Over the years a number of talented young fiddlers appeared including, Sara Melville, Calum Ross, Judith McAllister, Alasdair Allan and the Lees sisters, Julia, Alison and Janet. For a number of years, a fine accordian duo, Louis Coia and Iain Johnstone, were members of the group. One of our present members, young Amy Corfield is an outstanding solo fiddler. She has been successful in competitions and is a great asset at concerts. Another young fiddler of the same era, Marisa Manuel, went on to study at Douglas Academy Music School.

After about ten years, Hamish and Mary decided to retire to Mull, where Hamish formed the Mull Fiddlers. Norrie Kerr became the new conductor of Bearsden Fiddlers and successfully carried out that duty for the next ten years. John Lieper occasionally acted as relief conductor. The content of the group varied over the years. Some people moved on and others joined. John MacMillan became the conductor in 1991 and retired from the post in 2003. Angela Franchi, so successful at training and conducting Bearsden Young Fiddlers, which were formed in 2004, also took over as conductor of the senior group for two years. During that time she instituted Open Nights which brought in some fine new players who have greatly enhanced the standard of the group.

Because St Andrews College became unavailable, Bearsden Fiddlers Annual Rally, usually in late November or early December, is held in Milngavie Town Hall.

Irene McLaren was appointed conductor in 2005 and has made a great success of the job. Allan MacDougall is the deputy conductor, a fine singer and all-round musician. Charlie MacPherson, the leader, is a talented violin maker and composer. Cherry Jamieson is the regular pianist and can also play the double bass. The group has strong fiddle, accordian and guitar sections, together providing a pleasing sound.

Some of the past presidents of Bearsden Fiddlers were:- Duncan Ferguson, Vic Ross, Robert McColl and Iain MacLeod.

by John MacMillan, President, February 2010.

Bearsden Fiddlers also have a strong junior section, the Bearsden Young Fiddlers, conducted by Angela Franchi, which was founded in 2000 and which currently has around 30 members. See Menu for further details of this group.

Throughout the year, the Bearsden Fiddlers, conducted by Irene McLaren, play for various charity and fund-raising groups and organisations both north and south of the Clyde, often helping them to raise money for their activities. Occasionally, a small representative group may be more appropriate for the event e.g., in the City Chambers at the launch of the HMS Dauntless.

Bearsden Fiddlers practice in Cairns Church, Buchanan Street, Milngavie, on Tuesday evenings from 7.30 pm – 9.30 pm From September – May, and are always happy to welcome new members.

Further information about the Bearsden Fiddlers or about our CD's may be obtained from :-

Gillian Milroy, Secretary, telephone 0141 762 1045
or Wilma Williams, Assistant Secretary, telephone 0141 563 7715.

 

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