My involvement with the AYO began in 1989 and I spent 10 years as an official member of the viola section and an undisclosed number more as an unofficial player. I bounced backwards and forwards between the second and third desks and consider my main contribution to have lain in my exemplary counting skills! After retiring from the orchestra I joined the committee in 1999, initially as assistant to Antun Poljanich and then somehow found myself the secretary. I’m still not sure exactly how that happened…
In my other time (it’s never ‘spare’), I play the viola in St Matthew’s Chamber Orchestra, run the Auckland Scottish Fiddle Club, play in various Scottish dance bands and organise Scottish fiddle camps both in New Zealand and Scotland. One of the best experiences of my life has been joining the fiddle section of the annual Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, where we perform before a cast of thousands each night, set against the magnificent backdrop of Edinburgh Castle.
My priorities include books, genealogy, travel, friends and family (not necessarily in that order).