The choir session of 2006-2007 was an even busier session than 05-06. We put on twice as many concerts, sang more anthems and learned more challenging choral works. The amount of money raised at the concerts this year is perhaps a reflection of the standard of the singing. We once again had the pleasure of hearing violinist Mr James Campbell, O.A., perform at the Christmas Concert, and the individual talents of the choir members were displayed at the CogWheel Trust Concert, with Mrs Jennifer Risk singing and Mr Sandy McDonald playing the clarinet.
Below is some info. which may help illustrate the choir's achievements:
The Choir performed in four concerts: The Open Week Concert, The CogWheel Trust Charity Concert, The Festival of Five Lessons, Carols and Mince Pies and The Passiontide Service. The Carol Concert and the Passiontide Service raised a combined £750 for two charities (Barnardo's Children's Charity and Future Talent).
The Duchess of Kent accepted the position of Patron of Holburn West Choir. (Click HERE tor read more about our patron)
The choir learnt 10 new anthems and mastered choral arrangements of three popular songs (My Way, Strangers in the Night and Moon River).
Out of 31 Sundays with the choir and organist, the choir sang 29 anthems.
Only 4 were repeated.
Unfortunately, the year was also marked by the death of two long serving members of the choir; Mr. Bill Barrack who passed in February and Mrs. Carol Birnie, who passed in May.
Bill retired from the choir in 2005 and in Hamish Mitchell's words "was a man of many parts; a banker who never lost his rural roots; a much loved husband; a caring and devoted family man; a sportsman...and a singer with a passion for fine choral music".
Carol died on 21 May 2007 after a short illness. Her sudden death shocked and saddened not just the choir, but everyone who ever had the pleasure of knowing her. Her kindness, sense of fun and enthusiasm for all things musical will not be forgotten.
William C Barrack (1913-2007)
Carolyn A Birnie (1943-2007)
For the Dead: Requiescant in Pace
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It was a marvellous year and it would not have been possible without the steadfast support of our minister, Duncan Eddie and the congregation of Holburn West. In particular, thanks are owed to Mr Norman Bain for tirelessly filming all of the concerts, Mrs Wendy Linn for printing all of the programmes which too often were given to her only 48 hours before the concert, Mrs Isobel WIlson for arranging the catering for all the concerts without fuss, Miss Verna Ward for helping me coach the choir on those busy Thursdays, Mrs Lillian Duncan for producing, printing and displaying concert posters and Mrs Yvonne Bain for being a source of calm to me during the stressful weeks of the year and for never failing to help in any way she could.
I hope next year is as rewarding as this one has been and I look forward to commencing the 2007-2008 session in September.
With the kindest regards and best wishes,
Dominic Scullion
27 May 2006
D.S.
1 July 07 [Return to main page]