Quayside - Play For Local Charities

27th May 2006

Quayside formed during the summer of 2005. Margaret MacDonald, who has sung locally for a number of years, and Bob Turner, who plays guitar, teamed up to provide support to a charity concert in the Wick Youth Club. The concert was arranged to support the World War Two Bombing Victims Memorial Garden, planned for the bottom of the Black Stairs in Bank Row.

After this first concert, Margaret and Bob decided there were other avenues they would like to explore with respect to bringing some enjoyment to people. The local Retirement Homes, Day Care Centres and Hospitals were contacted and since that first concert in the Wick Youth Club, they have now completed over 30 afternoon and evening concerts at the local homes and hospitals, including appearances at the Wick Pipe Band Ceilidhs, the Accordion and Fiddle clubs in Wick and Thurso, carol services and other functions and events within the County

They usually present a programme of 12 to 15 songs, lasting about an hour. The content is traditional Scottish and Old time Country and Western. They are the songs that most people know and love. Both Margaret and Bob take pleasure in seeing the enjoyment their musical concerts bring to people.

At Christmas time 2005, they were joined by another member, Sine Hamilton. Sine plays the keyboard. They have developed the band into a three piece combo, using an electronic drum machine. Their practice together culminated in a charity concert at the new Wick Family Centre in Bank Row on the evening of Saturday the 13th of May. For this event they were joined by Willy Mackay on bass guitar, who made a guest appearance and brought along his very considerable experience to augment the band. This was a two hour concert including a 20 minute break with refreshments provided within the cost of the entry donation. Over 90 people attended this charity function. The total money raised for the Family Centre Play Group who use the Family Centre was £606.51.

QUAYSIDE are currently progressing through their round of summer engagements. If you wish to enquire about their availability, please contact :-

Margaret Macdonald on 01955 602990
Bob Turner on 01955 603229