The Buddy Beat

In America, it is award season with the Golden Globes and Oscars just off our screens,

while on our shores we have had National TV Awards, the Brits and The Bafta’s.

Who knew at the start of 2012, that this would be The Buddy Beat’s “Year of

Awards”? Fresh from being crowned “Scottish Epic Award Winner 2011” for our

inspiring film ‘Keep the Beat…Our Journey in Rhythm’, we were then shortlisted for a

Renfrewshire Community Award.

They say things always come along in threes and awards apparently are no exception.

Towards the end of 2011, Tom nominated The Buddy Beat for all the good work it

does in the community and for the way it helps all the group members on their mental

health journey of recovery. In the middle of January we got word that we had made the

final three once more! The group could hardly believe that we had achieved this level of

success, while some quietly thought that perhaps it was recognition not just for all our

work with mental health organisations and groups with learning difficulties, but also for our

work in the wider community, helping to break down the walls of mental health stigma.

And so the Provost Community Awards 2012 were held at The Glynhill Hotel, a venue

more than familiar with the gang, for there we have enjoyed our annual Christmas Party

Night for the last three years running.

The Provost Community Awards are judged by film- The Council employed freelance

film-maker Robbie Duncan to come out and visit Buddy Beat, as with all the other

nominees throughout the categories. So, on Thursday February 9th, Robbie popped

into our regular weekly

meeting. Jane was still away

in Manchester and Karen

Auld ably held the fort.

Robbie filmed us for well over

half an hour running through

a new piece, jamming, and

playing some games. After

that he filmed Tom first of all

as he had been the one to

nominate the group. Four of the BB gang wanted to speak on film and chose to do so as

double acts. Christine and Mary joined forces and seemed to enjoy being filmed. Next up

Anne and Eileen took to the front of camera and chatted away quite the thing. Robbie

left us, seeming more than happy with the amount of “action shots” and “talkie slots”.

With only six places available for Buddy Beat on the big day, The Buddy Beat were-

Jeanette Allan, Marion Bisland, Tom Chalmers,

Anne Dowie, Eileen McGrory and Christine Robertson

On the way to the venue, Tom saw a beautiful rainbow and exclaimed “It’s a sign! It’s a

sign!” Time would tell. Everyone arrived around 12.30 and received a complimentary

drink, with the chance to mill around and

chat to other nominees. There were many

familiar faces around- Buddy Beat

friend Councillor Eileen McCartin,

Council Leader Brian Lawson, Provost

Celia Lawson and also Derek MacKay,

former Leader of Renfrewshire Council

and now MSP.

Christine, Anne, Marion, Eileen and Jeanette- Buddy Beat’s own Spice Girls

Just before 1pm we were all asked to move through to the main

function room where we would be served lunch. The hall looked

beautiful with the tables set out perfectly. Several TV

monitors were spread around the room and the stage took

centre spot, with a table holding the shiny awards. As we sat

down a smiling Marion said to Tom “I am just so delighted to be

here.” Provost Celia Lawson took to the stage and briefly

welcomed everyone, telling us that the choosing the winners had

been a very difficult process as every nominee was worthy.

At our table sat Cameron Price and his partner. Cameron was

representing his father Jim Price, of Acre Industrial & Cleaning

Services, the sponsor of the Arts & Culture Award that

Buddy Beat was shortlisted for. Also at the table was Alexis

Urie, a music teacher from the Kibble Education and Care

Centre in Paisley who was also a nominee in our category, and Alexis was accompanied

by another member of staff and two of her students. Lunch was excellent and we chatted

and ate well. Jeanette sparked up a conversation with Alexis Urie and it may well be that

we will see Alexis’s Kibble School Singing Group during this year’s Mental Health

Arts & Film Festival. That’s Jeanette- never an opportunity put to waste!

As we were winding towards the end of our excellent meal we awaited the arrival of the

musical act- Tom Urie, Paisley born

actor, singer song-writer and star of

BBC Scotland’s soap River City.

Now, our Eileen is a fan so she and

Tom set off to track him down like a

pair of well-bred bloodhounds, and

when we did, he was so charming and

delighted to spend his time chatting and

even gave Eileen an autograph. Eileen

literally floated back to her chair!

Tom Urie took to the stage and sat at his key-board, saying how sorry he was for

everyone to have to listen to him while we were still eating our

puddings! He also quipped that it was a change to be at The

Glynhill for something that wasn’t a funeral! (The Glynhill is

the place in Renfrewshire for after burial tea and

sandwiches). Tom Urie is an accomplished singer-

songwriter, something that is perhaps not widely known, but

word is spreading fast, and he has his own album out. He

started by singing Elton John’s “Song for Guy” which was

just excellent. He has a great wit and way with any audience.

Next up Tom said he would like to sing one of his own songs

called “Never Been Kissed” . He explained that he had

written this for Susan Boyle, but that she turned it down. It’s

a beautiful song and everyone enjoyed it and when he had

finished he said that if Scotland won independence then perhaps that song could be

used in the Eurovision Song Contest! Tom then performed Randy Newman’s “You’ve

Got a Friend” from Toy Story and then asked for any requests -“Anything I can

murder?”. Someone asked for “Brown Eyed Girl” which had had everyone singing along

and then he finished his great set with another self penned song, “Sweet Home

Balmaha.” He received thunderous applause and whistles, and afterwards was happy to

meet people, sign autographs and have his picture taken. Brilliant stuff.

Tom Urie and his fabulous

groupies

The awards themselves began just after 3pm with Provost Celia Lawson taking to the

stage once more. Provost Lawson explained that this was the 14th Provost Community

Awards and how inspiring it was to see all the terrific work that goes on in and around

Renfrewshire. Provost Lawson also went on to say that this was her last big function as

her role as Provost was coming to an end after five years and she

finished by introducing our host for the awards, Sean Batty, STV

weather man and TV personality.

Sean took to the stage as the host for the day. Now, Mr Batty is a

bit like our local buses in Paisley. You don’t see him for ages and there

he turns up twice in the space of three days (hosting the Renfrewshire

Quality Awards and The Provost Community Awards- what a busy

man!)

The awards consisted of 7 different categories and Buddy Beat was first up in the Arts

& Culture category. Sean Batty announced the three nominees- Alexis Urie from the

Kibble Education & Care Centre, The Buddy Beat and Glennifer High Community

Music Group. Then we were instructed to watch the TV screens and you could hear a

pin drop as the first of the films began. Buddy Beat’s film was the second of the three

and we looked happy and vibrant in our coloured polo shirts and we all must have been a

little thrilled and proud to see ourselves on screen. As Glennifer High’s film came to an

end we all turned to look at Sean Batty.

Anne was telling herself not to hope for our name to be called out, hoping that would

mean that it would be! Marion held her breath in anticipation, as did Christine. Eileen had

her hands crossed and her legs too, with her eyes tight shut, praying to some higher order

that this would be The Buddy Beat’s day.

Sean looked up. “And the winner is……well, they certainly entertained us on Thursday

night….it’s The Buddy Beat!” and the place exploded with applause and cheers! We all

looked at one another as we rose from the table, grinning from ear to ear. When Sean

said “Well they certainly entertained us on Thursday” Eileen yelped very loudly and

almost jumped on the table! Tom thought “The world has stopped for a very brief

second, as if the entire planet is looking at us, The Buddy Beat!” We all made our way

onto the stage with Cameron Price. Provost Lawson shook the hand of each and every

one of us and Cameron presented us with the trophy. As we sorted ourselves for the

photographer, the applause kept going and we were all bursting with pride!

We sat back down at our table, and exchanged victorious smiles. Jeanette was beaming-

and quite rightly too- for now her two babies, The Buddy Beat and The Renfrewshire

Mental Health Art & Film Festival, had won major awards, and all in the space of three

days! It really doesn’t get any better than that. I think there were a few choked tears

among us as we took out our mobiles and began to silently let the world know. Some of

the group members texted back- Hazel replied “Brilliant!” as did Sarah, while Jane said

“Woo hoo!” Karen Auld was away at a 4 star hotel for a hen party (gee, what a hard life!)

but seemed not to believe the news and it took a few texts for it to sink in before she

replied “I’m over the moon! I can hardly believe it”.

Eileen said she was amazed we had won, while Christine was delighted at the recognition

for the group. Anne said “I feel fandabbydozee!” and Marion said that she “Felt

wonderful and that she had known we were going to do it!” Mystic Marion indeed!

The awards continued while we floated on Cloud Number 9. The Adult Achiever

Award went to Alice Beaton of Lamont Farm Erskine which is a vibrant community

project where you can meet a wide variety of domesticated animals, including sheep, goats,

horses, ducks, hens, llamas and also have a cuppa! Alice has been a volunteer there for 20 years.

The Special Needs Award went to 14 year old Edward Garry who has minor learning

difficulties and is a young carer. The Community Volunteer Award went to Ian Williams

who was recognised for the excellent community work he undertakes in Paisley. The

Carer's Award went to Irene Struthers from Johnstone for her foster work. Despite

losing her husband recently, Irene has continued to foster children and was nominated by

her local school. Irene was delighted that foster-work was finally being recognised.

The Spirit of Fairtrade Award went to two 6th form students at Gleniffer High-Katrina

Millar &Brooke Hepburn for their inspirational Fair Trade work during their time at high

school and for the support and guidance they have shown to younger members on the

school Fair Trade committee. The Child of Achievement Award went to Robbie

Colquhoun of Brediland Primary in Paisley. Robbie has overcome severe dyslexic

tendencies through tenacity and determination to become a willing and enthusiastic

reader.

Sean Batty then brought matters to a close and thanked everyone for attending and

supporting all the worthy nominees. Provost Lawson also gave a vote of thanks and ended

by inviting Councillor Brian Lawson to the stage. Mr Lawson presented the final award-

The Leader Award which went to Alice Beaton of the Lamont Farm in Erskine.

Fellow nominee Alexis Urie told Anne-“I am so pleased that Buddy Beat won. I know of

the great work you do in the community and it is so deserved.” That was a lovely thing to

say. Tom wants to get a t-shirt printed with the face of Sean Batty saying those

immortal worlds- “They certainly entertained us on Thursday night….The Buddy Beat!”

Then we were requested to attend a photo shoot and all the winners and sponsors were

gathered together. There was such a great atmosphere and everyone looked so happy.

It was a wonderful afternoon for The Buddy Beat and just amazing that in the space of

four weeks we have won two arts awards. It’s true recognition of the sterling work we do

and not just amongst ourselves but out there in the wider community where we help break

down the walls of stigma that surround mental health issues. It was a day to treasure for all

the Buddy Beat gang that were there and is something that the rest of the group will be

delighted to hear about and they will no doubt be proud of this amazing achievement.

Provost Celia Lawson and her able team, with Sean Batty and Tom Urie, and The

Glynhill staged a wonderful and unforgettable event that was a brilliant showcase of all

the amazing community work that goes on all year round in Renfrewshire.

As Buddy Beat enters its fifth year, it feels

As though we have lifted ourselves onto another level!

The Winners with the sponsors and Provost Celia Lawson- front row, 3rd from left-

And Sean Batty –back row far right

Marion, Eileen, Anne, Tom, Jeanette and Christine pose proudly with Cameron Price

Here we are proudly showing off our Provost Award!! We will keep this for a year before

we have to return it to those kind people at the Provost Office. We did receive a

beautiful second glass award to keep which is in the shape of a star and is inscribed with

our name on it. A star for the Buddy Beat stars!

A Top Cat Publication

February 27th 2012