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40 Year Presentation to Sheila Bruce

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At the 2017 Inverness Burns Club Anniversary Supper, members and guests were treated to a special presentation made by past president David Henderson to our accompanist Mrs Sheila Bruce. Sheila had performed as an accompanist with a variety of artistes for the past 40 Anniversary suppers never having missed a single one.

Sheila graduated with Honours in Music from Aberdeen University before training as a teacher at Aberdeen’s Teacher Training College. She taught at Aberdeen Academy before marrying her husband Jim. Jim’s career as a banker involved moving frequently so Sheila moved to Lerwick for 8 years before moving to Drumnadrochit.

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Sadly, Jim lost his life in a car accident so Sheila moved to Inverness where she has been involved in many musical projects as an accompanist to, among others, The Inverness Choral Society (over 40 years with them) the Inverness Opera Company, The Inverness Music Festival and, of course, The Inverness Burns Club.

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Sheila was brought into the Inverness Burns Club by the redoubtable Charlie Sinclair but when he retired, Sheila took over the organisation and sourcing of musical talent and the club relies on her for all its musical requirements.

Sheila’s remarkable record as accompanist to the Inverness Burns Club was recognised by the presentation of a unique leather bound version of the songs of Robert Burns which was published in 1896.

This treasure had been carefully refurbished and boxed prior to the presentation by Carronvale Bindery in Falkirk who had been identified by our tireless Secretary, Glen Stewart. A suitable inscription was included on the inside of the box which recognised the importance of the occasion and pinpointed the timing of the presentation.

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In addition, Sheila was presented with a lovely bouquet of flowers by our President’s wife Mrs Joan Grant.

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The evening was rounded off by some more delightful performances from Sheila and her artistes (Ian Douglas and Elaine & Paul Griffiths) and some community singing involving all present before finalising with the traditional rendition of Auld Lang Syne - the national anthem for the world.

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