Crawfordton in Concert
Shaun Castle 12 December 2006
Reverse cover of LP
An intriguing piece of ephemera, Crawfordton in Concert was recorded at Crawfordton House in the summer of 1984 and performed by pupils and guest musicians during the course of the school year. At the time of recording, the school numbered 80 pupils ranging in age from 6 to 13½ years.
The reverse cover of the LP (pictured) is a collage of performance pictures, illustrating the interiors of the house and chapel in 1984.
“The school orchestra plays daily in our morning and chapel service, the choir sings in both Scottish and English prep school gatherings and performs by invitation at outside churches as well as leading our own Carol Service and Sunday services. A full opera is staged annually at Easter, and concerts are given at Christmas and at our Summer Speech Day”.
The recordings include music by Fiocco (1703-41), Baston (18th Century) and Fasch (1688-1758).
Crawfordton House is for sale through Lakes & Country 01228 516409. Links to this post
George Gustavus Walker
of Crawfordton House
Shaun Castle 11 December 2006
The Annals of Glencairn
Extract from The Annals of Glencairn:
“Sir George succeeded to the estate of Crawfordton on the death of his father, Mr John Walker, D. L., in 1857. He afterwards purchased Jarbuck and the Hill of Peelton, and on the latter property he built in 1863-66 a handsome mansion, where he resided until his death on 5th August, 1897. Sir George’s public life began in 1855, where he joined the Dumfriesshire Militia, at the age of twenty-five, with the rank of Captain. He afterwards devoted a large part of his time to developing and perfecting the defensive forces of the country. In 1859 he appeared in the political arena as an independent candidate for the Dumfries Burghs, against the late Mr William Ewart. Although unsuccessful at the poll on that occasion, he was returned unopposed as member for the County in 1865 in succession to the late Mr Hope-Johnstone of Annandale. He had the distinction of being appointed Aide-de-Camp to the Queen in 1884, and knighthood was conferred upon him in 1892. The following appreciation by one who knew him intimately forms a fitting tribute to his memory:
There was in him an instinctive hatred of anything that bordered upon duplicity and time-serving, and he would condemn such conduct in language forcibly and true. He knew what he felt and meant himself, and he took care that others knew it also. Such thorough-going, outspoken honesty is especially valuable in a soft and selfish age, when principle often gives way to expediency, and men ask not what is right and what is true, but what is easy and profitable and likely to bring in a quick return...... As long as health and strength were given him he wrought loyally for others, for home and family, for country, and for Queen; now he rests from his labours, and his works do follow him.” 1
1. The Rev. Sir Emilius Laurie, Bart., B.D. In Memoriam Sermon.
Crawfordton House is for sale through Lakes & Country 01228 516409. Links to this post