BRIGADOON 2012

“WE’RE SIMPLY THE BEST”

Another outstanding Brigadoon gathering and another feather in the cap for the hard working volunteer committee

Bundanoon once again wakened to the sound of the pipes wafting across the a very misty town you could almost imagine that you had been spirited back to the Highlands of Scotland to that mystical village of Brigadoon and as usual all roads lead to the magical town of Bundanoon

Brigadoon lived up to its reputation of the “Ideal family friendly fun day out”

The crowd for the day has been estimated at approximately 11000+ visitors, what a terrific result for Brigadoon considering all the rain and unsettled weather we have been experiencing. Just goes to show the magical appeal Brigadoon has to all walks of life which has people making their annual pilgrimage to our gathering

Late in the week we made a decision to close the Jordan’s Crossing as a general car park because of the conditions, we did however manage to acquire the ground adjacent to the oval for parking which we used as an official parking area and also for our disabled visitors. To counter the large number of visitors parking in and around the town we had on hand our courtesy bus service which began ferrying passengers form around 7am.

Once again Highlander Celtic Rock Band from Newcastle performed, they were exceptional, and this is Celtic music at its very best. It is a show not to be missed; their rendition of Flower of Scotland had the crowd in full voice, and the finale Auld Lang Syne was just an ideal way to end a day of truly magnificent highland entertainment,

The street parade was a wonderful sight, a procession of bands playing such a broad variety of music that really entertained the spectators lining the street, however reliable information has it that a group of ardent Scots who were due to march in the parade got on the wrong train in Sydney and were heading for Newcastle before realising their error, undeterred they returned home and drove down, now that’s dedication for you.

As usual we had a magnificent display of traditional pipe band music. There were 20 bands in total, over 300 performers, what a great turnout for the gathering; we really appreciate the time and effort put in by those bands that make the effort to attend Brigadoon to entertain us

A great addition to the gathering was the visiting City of Launceston RSL Pipe Band, they gave a terrific performance and lead the street parade and were the band of the day giving a wonderful performance on the oval to a very appreciative audience.

The Scottish Country and Highland Dancers both groups gave wonderful displays of their own kind of dance to vey appreciative audience and the infamous Dashing White Sergeant where all can participate was a wonderful spectacle.

However the best was yet to come, at the closing ceremony the audience were treated to an outstanding massed band display, an advance in full strength all 20 bands at once was a sight to behold and the lone piper Nicholas Hodge from Canberra gave a beautiful rendition of the Bells of Dunblane

Congratulations must be given to the senior drum major of the day Gavin Kearney, and the Brigadoon bands coordinator Al Saunders for choreographing these displays, Al surprised everyone by being the solo lead piper in the massed bands playing of Highland Cathedral, well done long may it continue.

Lee Mitchell from Bullaburra in the Blue Mountains was crowned for the 6th time Male Grand Champion, but this year had to share the spoils with Stuart Gyngell and in the Ladies event Carma Burchell of Bowral and Amanda Crnkovic were crowned the joint Female Heavy Weight Grand Champions

The Tartan Warriors are celebrating 20 years of continual participation at Brigadoon, this is an outstanding achievement and the Brigadoon committee would like to express their deep appreciation and congratulate David the his Warriors for their continual support at Bundanoon

Not one managed to lift the fifth stone(165Kg) although a couple had a go at it, and I must congratulate all Warriors on a terrific effort, the damp conditions made the stones extremely hard to lift The winner on count back was Steve Tye

We must mention Swordplay who once again entertained with vigour and enthusiasm, a terrific series of show stopping entertainment and a wonderful opening battle between the Scots and their arch enemies the “English” no need to say who won.

The Brigadoon committee is a highly motivated volunteer group that delights in being able to produce a world class Scottish gathering and to see over 10000 visitors enjoy a day of Scottish revelry is the best satisfaction that we can have.

It would be remiss of me not mention and pass on my sincere thanks to the committee for according me a small part in the closing ceremony.
My son and his very good friend Nicholas marched through the massed bands playing Happy Birthay to me, thanks lads it was a very moving experience, all caught on camera by my Granddaughter Lorna, needless to say we had a wonderful family reunion after the gathering and yes I did partake of a Dram(or two)

Well done all, and Haste you back for 2013

DATE FOR THE DIARY
6th APRIL 2013