Campsie Mayfest really hits the mark with fun for all the family

The festival had been promoted by Milton of Campsie Village Hall Trust and kicked off with an enjoyable countryside walk around Milton of Campsie.

This was followed by a fascinating painting demonstration by professional artist, Nicole Stevenson.

The opening of the art exhibition was official started by newly elected MSP Rona Mackay.

A total of 14 artists from Milton of Campsie Art Club covered the main hall walls with 70 pictures and some delightful music accompanied the picture viewing which was provided by Claire Miller on piano, Elliott Summers on guitar and Dorothee Burchard on the Lute.

Next came Factor Forte, a cover band with some great arrangements of popular music with three fine singers. Their beat resulted in a packed dance floor.

The main organisers John Hinton, said: “The open stage for our young folk resulted in a capacity audience. Twenty seven children performed superbly in a very varied programme with players of the clarsach, violin, saxophone, guitar, keyboard, banjo and whistles. The music varied from ancient Celtic melodies to fine modern pop tunes. The Lorraine McDonald Dancers provided lively entertainment in both halves of the programme.”

The small hall was filled with superb creations from five contributors to the Craft Fair. Many of the Young Folks’ Concert audience enjoyed this too.

The children’s art workshop, run by professional caricaturist, Derek Gray, had very enthusiastic participants who learnt a lot - creating faces which included the queen and Andy Murray!

And the recorder band ARCARA presented an astounding programme with great variety. There was much interest and appreciation from a large audience.

The grand finale was the jazz afternoon with The Allander Band playing some good traditional music at it’s best. This was followed by Aubrey Gerber’s fine swing band The Sounds of Jazz.

Mr Hinton added, “The organisers on behalf of the Village Hall Trust would like to thank all the helpers. These included the heavy gang who shifted furniture and set up stage and lighting, the door-ticket steward, the kitchen workers who provided a constant supply of refreshments, and all members of the art club for their flexible help. The helpers in particular will be pleased to know that approximately £700 was raised and this will be used for much-needed refurbishment of the entrance hall and flooring.”

Other events included a delightful three mile walk from the village hall at Milton of Campsie which attracted 16 walkers, and was lead by Ann Martin and Ian Brown.

All the walkers had spectacular views of the Campsie Fells from Redmoss Core Path and the John Muir Way in what was a glorious day. The destination for this walk was the recently restored Milton of Campsie railway station which was brought back to life with the dedicated help of more than 100 local dedicated volunteers,

Mr Hinton wished to thank everyone who helped out. He said: “There was some financial support from East Dunbartonshire Arts Council and publicity from Scotland Voluntary Arts and the local Coop.”