So there I was, cruising along, expecting that the June edition of Celtic News would be rather smaller than the May edition, when submissions started to arrive. Now, I’m certainly not complaining about that, so do please keep your news, views and articles coming in. But, this is yet another bumper edition with lots to talk about.

Massive Anniversary Year

2017 is going to be a HUGE year here in Glen Innes. Not only is 2017 the Silver Anniversary year for the Australian Celtic Festival, it is the 10th Anniversary of The Triquetra Medallions and the 5th Anniversary of the Australian Celtic Music Awards. These are all impressive milestones and we are looking forward to one of our busiest years ever. We expect a record number of Visitors to Glen Innes May 4th to 7th next year, so do plan your Festival weekend early.

Nominations open for the Australian Celtic Music Awards

Nominating is easy. Just click on the 2017 Nominations tab and complete the online form. The Australian Celtic Music Awards presentation will take place at Glen Innes Services Club on 6th May 2017. Nominations close Friday 16th December 2016. Who is your favourite artist?

2016 International Celtic Music Award Winners, Clan Celtica, with their Award

Michael Fix’s Tour Dates

During the 2016 Australian Celtic Festival, I had the distinct pleasure of listening to Michael Fix play on two occasions. I’m delighted to be able to add Michael’s dates for his June tour of New South Wales. For further information, go to www.michaelfix.com/tours.

Murphy’s Pigs Dates

Australian Celtic Festival 2017

Performer, busker and workshop applications are now open on the website.

News for our Victorian Readers

Each year the Scots of Victoria Coordinating Group recognise the achievement and contribution of a young member of the Scottish community through the Ian Murdoch Memorial Award. The Award goes to a young person over 16 years and under 30 years who has demonstrated a significant contribution to their Scottish organisation and shows a desire to promote Scottishness to the wider community. This award began in 2013 in honour of Ian Murdoch who made a significant contribution to the Scottish community over a number of years.

2015 Ian Murdoch Memorial Award winner Heather Bell receiving the Award from Mrs Helen Murdoch

The Award is to encourage a ‘young’ member of a Victorian Scottish community group:

• Victorian Scottish Union
• Highland Dancing Association
• Scottish Country Dance group
• Highland Pipe Band
• Scottish Clan Association
• Caledonian Society
• Scottish Society
• Robert Burns Club
• Scottish Gaelic Society

Award Guidelines

Nominees must be over 16 years and under 30 years of age as at 30th September in the year they are nominated;

Nominees must be a current member of a Victorian Scottish organisation and be nominated by the President and Secretary of that group to be eligible; and

Nominees must have demonstrated, to their Scottish organisation
– Dedication
– Commitment
– Improvement
(Highland Dancer, Scottish Country Dancer, Piper, Drummer, etc)
– Desire to promote Scottishness in the wider community

All nominations for the Award to be submitted to the SVCG Secretary on the prescribed form by 30th September each year.

Award Presentation
Award to be presented by Mrs Helen Murdoch (or her representative) at the SVCG AGM/Seminar, or other designated function, following the October meeting.

Award
A book (with a Scottish theme) to the value of $100.00 plus a certificate

For more information, contact Noel Wright, Secretary, Scots of Victoria Coordinating Group, noelwright@netspace.net.au.

Friends of The Australian Celtic Festival

Not only is the 2017 Australian Celtic Festival celebrating the Year of Ireland, which will be great craic, it is also the 25th Anniversary of the Festival. What better year to show your support of the Festival than by becoming a Friend of the Australian Celtic Festival.

There are some great benefits to membership of The Friends, including weekend passes, a cap or Clan stationery, and exclusive offers and invitations to Friends events. The first Friends of The Australian Celtic Festival 2017 events will be held in Glen Innes during August. Further details and application forms are on the ACF website.

Memberships:

• Individual – $100 per year
• Family – $250 per year
• Life membership – $1000

Celtic Wedding at The Australian Standing Stones

For those of you who have asked if we have a photo of the Celtic Wedding, that took place in the centre of the Australian Standing Stones Circle during the Festival weekend, here it is! Bob and Naomi Blair with their wedding party.

Our thanks for this photograph go to Glen Innes Examiner and photographer Tony Grant.

Xmas in July in Glen Innes

Glen Innes is really an ideal place to experience the cold of winter, with high, clear, icy, starry nights and a warm welcome. Join us at the Hereford Steakhouse (info@restpointmotel.com.au) 23rd July 2016 for a Christmas Dinner with a hearty winter soup, a traditional Xmas buffet and plum pudding with brandy custard for dessert.

Bookings for this warm, welcoming, intimate venue are essential. Entertainment will be provided by the vivacious Christine Davis. Adults are $50 pp, with children at $22.50 including a small gift. Mention Celtic News on booking because I will be there and we might all be able to sit close together and “catch up” in a less frantic space than during the Festival itself.

Glen Innes Services Club Dates

Glen Innes Services Club continues to be the hub of entertainment here. There are two new, big shows to tell you all about. If you live here, or just fancy a trip to your home-away-from home, why not join us for one or both!

Murphy’s Pigs 10^th Anniversary Show

17th September 2016
Doors open at 6pm
Show at 7pm
Tickets on sale NOW!!
$20 per ticket (concert only). Bookings are essential!!
Guarantee your seat now. Call 02 6732 1355 to book your table.

Peace Train

Darren Coggan is widely known and respected for this retrospective of Cat Stevens’ music. Here in Glen Innes, he is also much appreciated for his role as Emcee of The Official Celtic Awards Night.

Whichever reason you have for being a fan, join him on 29th October 2016. Doors open at 7.30pm. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased by calling 02 6732 1355. Why not book a table?

Awww, shucks!!! Darren receiving his Award as 2016 Australian Celtic Male Artist.

Next month I will begin a regular column, Brisbane Scene. I hope to be able to include as many Gig dates as possible to give you all the opportunity to get your fix of Celtic Music. Included in the column will be occasional band/artist profiles.

Barbara McLennan
Editor
Celtic News
02 6734 5189
barbara.saxonge@gmail.com

Published with permission from Celtic News