Sir Jimmy Shand
Whit a Grand Knight We’re Ha’ein
by Jack Cooper
Most of what can be said about Jimmy Shand is already contained in books. This is my tribute.
My association with the Maestro began when, as leader of the ‘Gie Gordons’, the Dundee dancing team, I was introduced to him in 1950. I owe a lot to Jimmy. He put a great deal of work our way and we made innumerable appearances with his band in concert halls and theatres. These included performances at Glasgow’s Alhambra Theatre in the only two Royal Variety Shows ever held in Scotland.
One of my treasured memories is of the occasion when I was involved in the Thames Television presentation of ‘This Is Your Life’ hosted by Eamonn Andrews on 29th November, 1978. The subject was Jimmy Shand. When asked by the programme producer if I could recall any stories about Jimmy, a particular instance came to mind when he was asked if the dancers would accompany him to Bridge of Earn Hospital on Christmas Day, 1956, to fulfill a promise made to the Matron earlier that year when his wife, Anne, had been so well cared for as a patient there. We duly arrived at the ward in which we were to dance but, when the other patients heard about this they all wanted to see the show. There were twenty wards and Jimmy didn’t want to disappoint anyone so we danced to Jimmy’s music throughout the hospital. At one stage we passed a group of theatre staff who, being on duty, could not come and see us. Jimmy promised to return and give a private performance later in the day, which he did. This was to be the smallest ‘theatre’ in which we had ever danced! The operating table was covered with a sheet with loads of Christmas pies/ cakes / drinks / and crackers for their own wee Christmas Party with Jimmy Shand. This is a measure of the man. When it comes to doing anything for others less fortunate Jim has always been available.
I know that all Scotland is rejoicing in the knowledge that Jimmy Shand’s talent and lifework in promoting Scottish music has at last been recognised by the award of a Knighthood and the only regret is that it has taken so long!!
In 1990, Jimmy and Joan Blue and I went to visit Jimmy at Windyedge in Auchtermuchty to ask what his feelings would be were we to set the process in motion for him to be honoured in this way. Being the modest man that he is, he was rather taken aback but eventually gave his permission and suggested a few people we could contact for testimonials. At that time, there was no ‘proforma’ for completion and we therefore acquired names and addresses, sat Joan at the word processor to write to people in all walks of life, all of whom were delighted to write letters of support. These included record producer George Martin (of Beatles fame, now Sir George Martin) who had, in early days, been Artist and Recording Manager for some of Jimmy Shand’s records, Jack Emblow, Francis Wright, and then Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher, whose secretary replied on her behalf that she would be delighted to consider this application. A very comprehensive portfolio was then handed to the Earl of Elgin who added his own commendation before handing the whole lot to Malcolm Rifkind, Secretary of State for Scotland. Unfortunately before any decisions could be taken, Mrs Thatcher was ‘unseated’ and, possibly with the changes at the top, no more was heard of our undertaking.
It, therefore, pleases me greatly that the present Committee of the N.A.A.F.C. took the matter in hand and helped Jimmy Shand to get the recognition he so richly deserves. I am delighted to congratulate the Committee on their hard work and unrelenting pressure – and particularly delighted to congratulate Sir Jimmy Shand, KB, MBE, MA on his award.
We wish Jimmy, Anne and the family many happy years in which to enjoy their new found status.
Box and Fiddle
February 1999
Whit a Grand Knight We’re Ha’ein
by Jack Cooper
Most of what can be said about Jimmy Shand is already contained in books. This is my tribute.
My association with the Maestro began when, as leader of the ‘Gie Gordons’, the Dundee dancing team, I was introduced to him in 1950. I owe a lot to Jimmy. He put a great deal of work our way and we made innumerable appearances with his band in concert halls and theatres. These included performances at Glasgow’s Alhambra Theatre in the only two Royal Variety Shows ever held in Scotland.
One of my treasured memories is of the occasion when I was involved in the Thames Television presentation of ‘This Is Your Life’ hosted by Eamonn Andrews on 29th November, 1978. The subject was Jimmy Shand. When asked by the programme producer if I could recall any stories about Jimmy, a particular instance came to mind when he was asked if the dancers would accompany him to Bridge of Earn Hospital on Christmas Day, 1956, to fulfill a promise made to the Matron earlier that year when his wife, Anne, had been so well cared for as a patient there. We duly arrived at the ward in which we were to dance but, when the other patients heard about this they all wanted to see the show. There were twenty wards and Jimmy didn’t want to disappoint anyone so we danced to Jimmy’s music throughout the hospital. At one stage we passed a group of theatre staff who, being on duty, could not come and see us. Jimmy promised to return and give a private performance later in the day, which he did. This was to be the smallest ‘theatre’ in which we had ever danced! The operating table was covered with a sheet with loads of Christmas pies/ cakes / drinks / and crackers for their own wee Christmas Party with Jimmy Shand. This is a measure of the man. When it comes to doing anything for others less fortunate Jim has always been available.
I know that all Scotland is rejoicing in the knowledge that Jimmy Shand’s talent and lifework in promoting Scottish music has at last been recognised by the award of a Knighthood and the only regret is that it has taken so long!!
In 1990, Jimmy and Joan Blue and I went to visit Jimmy at Windyedge in Auchtermuchty to ask what his feelings would be were we to set the process in motion for him to be honoured in this way. Being the modest man that he is, he was rather taken aback but eventually gave his permission and suggested a few people we could contact for testimonials. At that time, there was no ‘proforma’ for completion and we therefore acquired names and addresses, sat Joan at the word processor to write to people in all walks of life, all of whom were delighted to write letters of support. These included record producer George Martin (of Beatles fame, now Sir George Martin) who had, in early days, been Artist and Recording Manager for some of Jimmy Shand’s records, Jack Emblow, Francis Wright, and then Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher, whose secretary replied on her behalf that she would be delighted to consider this application. A very comprehensive portfolio was then handed to the Earl of Elgin who added his own commendation before handing the whole lot to Malcolm Rifkind, Secretary of State for Scotland. Unfortunately before any decisions could be taken, Mrs Thatcher was ‘unseated’ and, possibly with the changes at the top, no more was heard of our undertaking.
It, therefore, pleases me greatly that the present Committee of the N.A.A.F.C. took the matter in hand and helped Jimmy Shand to get the recognition he so richly deserves. I am delighted to congratulate the Committee on their hard work and unrelenting pressure – and particularly delighted to congratulate Sir Jimmy Shand, KB, MBE, MA on his award.
We wish Jimmy, Anne and the family many happy years in which to enjoy their new found status.
Box and Fiddle
February 1999